...replacing front disc pads...any tips for installation?

[bobberwi]

Hi Y'all,

Last week I mounted 2 new Ellite III tires on my Voyager (well...actually I assisted and absorbed a lot of "blue verbal smoke"). When I removed the front calipers, I noticed the pads were looking pretty thin. I am going to the Rally in Bowling Green so I think now is the time to replace the pads b4 I hear grating.

I have new pads from Leo...I am a bit confused as to how to remove the old ones and install the replacements. One side comes out easily...but the piston side seems to be held in by....??? The rubber boots on the 2 shafts are also begining to loose their flexibility too.

Are there "best" ways to remove the discs?...any special "DON'T DO THIS!"? Should I replace the rubber boots now too? I think they are a relatively inexpensive dealer item (aprox $4.00 ea).

Thanks guys...as usual, you all are great sources of info and encouragement.

bob (bobberwi)
Madison, WI
bobberwi53704@yahoo.com

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

Bob,

Both brake pads are easy to remove, after getting the caliper off the disc, use your hands to push the side where the boots are attached "into" the other side to obtain clearance to remove the one side. The boots will compress as you push this side in. The other smaller pad is held in lightly with a clip, both should remove easily. Then drain some fluid out of the front brake reservoir to allow room for when you compress the piston down at the front wheel back into the caliper to make room for the new pads. I would check out the article titled: Sticking, Dragging or Moaning Front Brake in the AVA Tech Center, to make sure that part of your braking system is working properly. After doing that, and compressing the piston back into the caliper, then install the one pad clip on the piston side then that sides pad, followed by the installation of the other larger pad on the other side (still have the caliper holder shafts pushed in to allow clearance if needed for new brake pad). Then install back over the brake disc, attach the caliper to the forks. Then add (if needed) new brake fluid to reservoir first and bleed brakes. If the old brake fluid is more than a light yellow, I would suck the old out of the reservoir first, then put new in and bleed the brakes until clear fluid runs from the bleeder. Then make sure you end up with the proper level of brake fluid in the reservoir, put the cap on (don't overtighten the screws at all, check the operation). Then go riding.

[bobberwi]

Thanks much, Gary, for your advice and information. I will follw it with appreciation...