Hey Josh....maybe mention at the end to pump the brake to push the fluid back down to push the calipers out against the new pads? Or you can just do what I did the first time. Jump on the bike, take off, hit the brakes, nothing happens, hit the wall.
Well you know the whole purpose of this video is for the beginner so I agree he should of mentioned to pump the brakes! Sometimes guys forget crap and would take off and ride
I've got to change my front brakes on my 02 heritage. I need a torque wrench but with this video and perhaps an experienced hand to watch me for exacts, I do believe I can do it!!!! I'm excited.... I'll let you know how it goes:) thank you
You omitted one thing. After putting the pins through the new pads, they were jammed in at an angle. You didn't explain how to spread them evenly. The pad backing gets stuck in the gap of the spring inside and there is no easy way to spread them that I know of, once they are stuck like that. I have found it easier to put the caliper back on the disk, then slide in the pads and push the pins through. That way the pads are spread and don't get stuck in that spring gap. What do you think??
Great point Trevor! Also did you see how many turns he gives one pin before going to the other? THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT NOT TO DO. You have to turn the pins 1/4 turn then the other pin 1/4 turn until both have threaded 1/2 way (you can easily see the pin threads going into caliper) MAKING SURE THE BACK OF THE PADS ARE BOTH FLAT AGAINST THEIR SIDE OF THE CALIPER AND PISTONS ARE ALL EQUALLY FLAT INSIDE OF CALIPER. Then place the caliper over the disc and torque the mounting bolts to spec, leaving the pad pins loose. After securing the reservoir cap if haven't done so yet, squeeze the brake lever a few times to "seat" the pads on the pins because the disc is not dead center of caliper. Then tighten the pad pins to spec. If following this video someone runs in one pad pin then the other, you most likely will get brake binding. If you look at the pads, one pin hole is perfectly round and the pin just barely slides thru while the other pin hole oblong, allowing left/right movement. Running either pin too far before the other, doesn't matter which is too far, the pin will hang up on the pin hole that's perfectly round. When you ride the bike the brake lever will not move but a fraction of an inch before engaging and it will be rock hard. The bike will be very hard to push by yourself. To fix this you remove the caliper, loosen the pad pins until all threads are visible, but do not pull the pins out. Using something plastic spread the pads and then wiggle each to make sure they move. Reinstall and problem should be fixed, if not, do again.
Had to Research but caliper bolts are a 10mm 12 point socket and pins are 1/4 inch 12 point socket (shallow 3/8 drive will not work best to get a 12 point 1/4 inch deep socket) Ugggg, WHY HARLEY WHY SO DANG DIFFICULT TO DO A SIMPLE TASK!? Still need to find the torque specs, anyone, Buler?
bag o' toe tags , I cringed when I saw the heavy caliper hanging from the brake line!! Never do that, it's wrong! Use a bungee or something to hold the caliper up.
Hello I have a Heritage Softail 2002 1450, I've never had to take the calipers off the front or rear of my motorcycle to do the pads. And this video concerns me a little as you have not put lock tight on the caliper bolts ??
You don't need to remove the caliper on this brake system,remove the pins,slide out pads. Then use a wooden paint stirrer to compress pistons and slide in new pads. This way you aren't chancing chipping the fender on fl models
You are correct, but………………..how do you check the pistons for leaks, or the spring clips? It’s not like you change pads as often as oil. If you’re going to change brakes, take the time to do it complete.
I installed the rear pads. When squeezing the calipers apart, some brake fluid seeped out of somewhere. I put everything back together pump the brakes which seem to be good. Took it for a test drive but the brake pedal went right down to the floor! After pumping the brake a few times it would work but the first time you push it it goes right to the floor. I'm also concerned that I've heard if air gets into the ABS machine that it needs to be reset by a computer.
If fluid seeped out then you more than likely have a leak, and you could have air in the system. Either way your brakes will probably continue to be soft. If you have to bleed ABS brakes you will need a special tool for that.
thanks. I tried bleeding the brakes, nothing to lose, seems to have fixed the problem. PS, I had to loosen the three top caliper bolts to give enough play to take the caliper off the rotor. Maybe this had something to do with the fluid leak?
You made that look easy. But the hard work is finding a no place in the US is some company using a 12 point head bolt in a sunken hole. Pin bolts. Or where do you buy a use only once socket needed for it!?!
My 2015 Road king front brake or caliper clanks the first time I squeeze the brake before I take off to ride, could this be the caliper piston sticking?
Could you tell me how much force is used on the rear axle nut, disc and pulley? I want to change the tire and I need to take measurements when it comes to riding
I've been told that you need to chamfer the edges of the pads a bit by filing them down. Is this not required anymore? Also, do you not need to use "anti-vibration" grease on the back side of the pad?
Bruce Gillies , no need to chamfer them. Also, they will only fit one way, no worries about mixing up which pad is which. Also, run an appropriate sized drill bit through the pad holes to remove paint or irregularities, otherwise the pins might bind. Test fit them first before installing.
77sporty , I can tell you how. First, put the caliper back on the bike. Then, slide in the new pads, and they will be aligned correctly. Then push the pins through
I would suggest suspending the calipers by a bungee or similar arrangement, rather than allowing their weight of the caliper to hang on the brake line.
Matt Grows , the pads only fit one way, you will know because the holes won't line up. No need for grease, the spring stops any squealing. Test fit pins in new pads before installing, sometimes they are tight. Use a drill bit to fix that.
