How To Replace Your Motorcycle Disc Brake Pads | The Shop Manual
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Thanks to Kershaw Knives for sponsoring this episode of The Shop Manual. Kershaw is giving away free pocket knives and offering TSM viewers a discount on all purchases. Woohoo!
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Replacing your motorcycle’s brake pads is straightforward and fairly easy, especially if you’re just slapping in new pads. However, to keep your brakes working their best, there are a few extra steps you should take when servicing your brakes. In this episode of TSM, Ari shares tips and best practices for installing new brake pads and tuning up the entire brake system.
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I love how i got from never holding a screwdriver to having a giant arsenal of tools and learning every maintenance job needed for my car and bike through UA-cam because no one wanted to teach me. Everybody would offer to do it but nobody would let me do it myself. Thanks Ari for teaching a whole generation how to work on their own machines.
You're welcome, and congrats on gaining a bunch of new skills. They'll serve you for the rest of your life.
You said it best
That's a great sentiment. I am sure everyone agrees that we can do anything, we just need the tools and the know-how. But Ari has a very special talent of explaining things in terms we can all understand without making the task sound intimidating.
Where do you live? I was in the same boat as a kid. Now I have so many tools and knowledge to share
Austria and you?
Another great video about motorcycle maintenance. Very clear, logical, and precise explanation and demonstration. Whenever I want to maintain my motorcycle myself, I search your videos. I've almost finished my apprenticeship with you. 🤔
This is a most useful channel for bike lovers who like to maintain their ride.
Despite already knowing how to change my brake pads I still watch this video as if I din't. As always informative and entretaining.
This is probably the best video I've seen on Nissin brake calliper removal and basic maintenance. Having said that, just know that your bike brakes, like your car brakes, will tell you when they need to be replaced. Never hurts to replace them early, but don't panic and stop riding because your pads look thin. They'll squeal like a pig to tell you when it's really time to replace them.
Very informative video! I always tell people to learn as much as the possibly can on their own. For one you will save a lot of money, two you can’t always trust just any old shop, three you can the knowledge and know what to look for, four the satisfaction of knowing you did it on your own and you did it right! Love these videos guys, Keep it up! 😄🙌🏻
Doing it yourself and knowing it's done right is worth a lot. That's why we make these vids. Thanks for watching!
Yeah nothing's more annoying than taking your bike to a shop because you want it done by professionals only to realize you know more than they do and I don't know much.
I love that you mentioned the trick of using a screw driver and the old pads to push back the pistons! I've never seen this mentioned in other videos, but this is really a good trick, and I use it personally.
I did that when I replaced my car brake pads.
just bought some new pads and will be changing mine out tomorrow for the first time. Thanks for the helpful tips and knowledge!
I always like to tape an empty beer or soda can in-between the brake lever and the handle bar to make certain that I don't inadvertently squeeze the brake lever while servicing the front brake. Also, it is very important to replace the brake fluid every two years (minimum) regardless of mileage on the bike. This will prevent expensive repairs due to corrosion in the brake system. Thanks for another great SM video!
Had an idiot who squeezed my brake lever (during a tire change) and it was a nightmare getting everything back together again. Your comment is SPON ON, thanks
I changed the brake pads on my 2013 Honda CB1000R today, both front and rear - and after coming back home I opened youtube and saw this video on my homepage.
It's a good guide to go back to, even for experienced DIYers like me.
Good one, team!
Thank you for teaching people how to change their breaks. I'll be changing mine this coming weekend.
Good video and quite comprehensive. However, the hang pin can and will wear out over time. Most manufactures have intervals for pin replacement. If the pin becomes really pitted or if you see a flat spot where the pad rests, change out the pin. They are usually under $10 so it’s cheap insurance. Also, no mention on how corrosive brake fluid is. When you push the pistons back into the caliper it pushes fluid into the res which can cause splash. I will take the lid and the rubber seal off the res and then just place it back on top. This will allow air to escape the res as the fluid fills it back up. It’s also a good idea to wrap shop rags around the res just in case. If you do get brake fluid on anything especially painted surfaces. Clean it immediately. Most brake fluids will eat paint.
I wish more people talked about how corrosive brake fluid is. I once spilt a few drop on a volt monitor. Ate through the display rather quickly!
I wish the pros at the shop I took my Diavel into kept this in mind. The paint on my reservoirs has been eaten off by overflowing brake fluid.
Also as a good habit/general rule of thumb...bleed the brakes with fresh fluid...or at the absolute minimum check your brake fuild and lines...
8888i8
Changing fluid with each new set of pads is not necessary. The main thing that makes old fluid unfit for use is the water that accumulates there, which is why the age of the fluid is most important. It is advisable to decrease this period with heavy use (e.g. racetrack).
That would be excessive unless you rarely ride, or have been under utilizing your brakes. Either of these cases could lead to a problem of several years accumulating on the brake fluid between brake pad changes.
@@SportbikerNZ yes your right, but for a few dollars you know that the fluid is fresh. It is more so if you cannot remember the last time you did change it as part of your regular services. Not everyone uses sintered pads, also different riding styles play a factor.
i know myself if i can see that traffic has stopped i will use the gearbox to slow down and only use the brakes if need be at the end, but i hate stopping in traffic so does my air cooled bikes...
I always dreaded touching anything on my bike and now i am getting more confident and found out it's not as difficult as i thought it will be. Thank you so much man.
I started with absolute zero mechanical skills and tools age 19. I'm 42 now and have a respectable set of tools from only working on my bikes as well as a thorough understanding of the machine I'm operating. I highly recommend it as a side hobby to the hobby as there's no better satisfaction and security to knowing every last item in your bike has been inspected and tested by you.
@@Kraken9911 definitely my aim is to 100% do all of the work on the bike myself. It’s always nice to hear somebody managed to learn much later in life and are completely fine. Hopefully ill be in your place someday
Don't forget to put the cap back on the reservoir before that test ride! Good video.
Thanx Bro
Tried to push the pistons back without taking off the fluid cap 😅
Done changing my first set! 🎉
I must say this video has posted right when my rear brake pads have worn out! Talk about perfect timing aha!
I've changed pads before, but this was a nice refresher course, thx Ari. brap braaaap!
It is worth noting that on some ABS-equipped bikes you may need to push the pistons on the calliper back by opening the bleed-bolt on the calliper, and not up the brake system, since the ABS pump will work as a one-way valve... Ask me how I know =P... Reading the manual gave me the answer for that one =)
WOW thats so good to known. My bike has ABS and about to do my first pad swap so your timing perfect. Thanks again.
Be careful with all the fasteners of course. But those reservoir screws are NOT going to be a Phillips. They are likely going to be JIS, which look very similar.
You'll be surprised at the difference when you actually fit the JIS bit vs the Phillips bit in that screw. The JIS screws are identified with a little dot on the head of the screw.
Hopefully this helps!
One of my best investment was a set of JIS screwdrivers,
I did put goop on the back of my rear brake pad and it eliminated the horrible noise when i drag rear brake in parking lots. I don’t care if it gets dirty, that sound was such a nuisance! lol
My Vstrom doesn't even have 2000 miles on it, but I still like watching these videos. Love this series!
Another excellent and informative Shop Manual. Unfortunately, we have very different definitions of "easy" -- as I'm pretty inept mechanically.
You know? I am not very mechanically inclined. I can do some work and install stuff, but this type of work is a bit above my pay grade. I am glad this content exist with the very specific experienced tips Ari provides. If I ever have to do it, I know where to look for info.
I have learned alot from you, and I look forward to learning more Thak you.
thanks for the advise! i think at some time or other I have made every mistake you mentioned including poping a car piston out...that never went back and i ended up buying a new caliper. your no grease idea is interesting, dont think ive heard that before but makes sense
just changed my front pads today, one set was oil soaked from a leaking fork, fixed that as well
in the fall, i’m gonna replace the rotors and rebuild the calipers and change the fluid again then
rebuilt the rear caliper and put new pads on last april when i replaced my tires 😎
Some great tips in there, thanks for posting.
Probably need to do my car 250r soon. Want to get a faster bike but can't afford it. Thanks for the info and demonstration. This channel helps me a lot
You should put thread locker on the calipers mounting bolts
Good video. Videos from DelBoy’s Garage and Stuart Fillingham are also good for cross reference. Given that brakes are the most important component of any moving vehicle, I would note a few suggestions:
First, the reservoir cap should not be opened. Brake fluid is highly homophilic and hygroscopic and will suck moisture, potentially compromising the entire system.
Second, don’t bleed fluid. Assuming that the fluid was set properly, bleeding any amount will lessen braking performance. If the pistons are too hard to push back, get a cheap brake kit designed to do this.
Third, might as well flush the fluid. Yes, every two years is the norm but why not at the same time - it’s the most critical aspect of the system.
Last, if using Simple Green, get the purple version to avoid corroding alloys/aluminum and rinse thoroughly.
Perfect timing! I just ordered some new front pads for my bike. Thanks for making this vid 👊🏽
Very nice tips!!
Greetings from Portugal 😉✌️
Dude your videos are so ducking good man really great channel
Ari, simply put, I Love You Man,,, thank you for so so many valuable skills. I've been a fan of yours for ?? over 30 years ??? bro,,,
You forgot to check for air bubbles in the circuit, wich are pretty common to appear after you push the pistons back in place. I'd say bleeding the circuit is a must after every pad change.
Salamun Brother… Jazakallahu khairan…
Your demo and explaination solved my dizziness… I”ve screwed by a culprit (fake mechanics)… Need to get whole new set of disc brake set… 👌😌😉
Very thorough indeed. I always learn a few things, thanks for the upload!
Thanks Ari you are the best! My V-Strom has new pads and drivetrain thanks to you.
Ari, Great video, a couple of things to note. Antilock brake systems don't like dirty fluid, open the bleeder when you compress the pistons back into the caliper. Cleaners like Simple Green are mildly corrosive to aluminum alloy parts, be sure to rinse them with fresh water when you're done.
Good informative video as always, good to note that just pushing the pots back in with out cleaning can lead to leaky o-rings. I've looked around and couldn't find rebuild kits. Thanks for the Kershaw code, just placed an order.
Enjoy the new knife and thanks for the support. 🙌
Please do a video on things like fluids, oils and grease that goes beyond engine oil and radiator fluid, what should be used where. E.g., if I'm to oil a clutch cable...what oil should I use? What grease should I use on what bolts? Where should I be using loctite?
Enter to win a free Kershaw pocket knife here: a.pgtb.me/W6wfPG
Learn more about your bike’s brakes from Ari’s Common Tread article! rvz.la/3JTJltt
I love this series, please keep going
Good video. Just note that at 3:25 you have the caliper hanging off the brake hose. Not a good idea, better to secure it with a rag or thin rope as not to put stress on the hose.
Try a C Clamp for pushing calipers back, This is fine for non ABS breaks, If ABS do not push fluid back up into system, open blead screw prior to pushing calipers back so old fluid is bled of. Close bleed screw refill reservoir with fresh fluid. then pump brake, then use procedure to bleed brakes. Fluid is cheep.
My understanding of seating new brake pads begins with installing the new brake pads into the caliper and screwing the caliper bolts in leaving approximately 2-3mm of space so the bolt head is not touching the caliper. Once you are ready to torque the caliper down, to gently squeeze and hold the brake lever, seating the caliper, pistons, and rotor disc. Then torque down the bolts so they are all in harmony. Is this true or no?
I literally just searched for the Motorcycle Mag video this week. What timing.
Gr8 vid. I often change brake fluids when changing pads; habit forming. The rotors, every other time. Anyway, ride safe, god bless u.
Thank you for the great video always a pleasure to watch even tho its straight foward. Thanks😁
Ive learned so much, and saved alot of money, from watching your videos, theyre really well made. Thanks so much for all your work and knowledge!
You're welcome, thanks for watching.
i agree with not needing to use disc break quiet grease etc. If you got a clean caliper you get no squeaks.
Ari is the best mechanic to have ever lived.
As always another great video ❤️🙏
Great stuff . Keep this stuff up helps alot 😊
I swear y’all release these the day after I think I should do something. So helpful. And just a little creepy.
Awesome informative vid sir! Guys like u producing vids like these save guys like me $$$. Thanx again!
Plenty of great little tips
thank you very much for the detailed step by step illustration, liked it a lot!!!
Super easy job on most bikes.
Another great video. Have a great day everyone.
Nice video. I like how you showed your JIS screwdriver (made by Vessel, good brand! ) the screws for the brake reservoir are not Philips! So many of those screws get knackered by guys using Philips.
I love these videos, please keep making them!
Waiting for more DIY shop manual videos💥❤️
I just swapped yesterday to sintered pads 😎
You can use a C clamp to crush in those pistons. Did you mention to put back brake cap???
also a good time to replace and bleed the fluid. It's quick and easy and you're already messing with the brakes anyway.
Easier than I thought. Very informative 👏
Good stuff as always. Thanks y’all
When you clean the caliper with let's say soapy water, do you rinse it with clean water somehow after?
Is dishwashing liquid mixed with water okay for cleaning?
Ari I am sure a lot of effort had gone through making this video and it was pretty awesome, and I got to know about something that I never really paid any attention to.
However “penetrating lube” 😂😂😂😂😂!
Don’t forget to put the lid back on your fluid reservoir. 😉
I’ve doing the lazy method all this time, just because I did not know better… thanks for the video.
When should one change the pads approximately?
Great instructional video, well done and thanks for sharing!! Amateur question pls. Is it ok to use the soapy water on the pistons, will it not remove the grease and cause more corrosion? Thanks for the reply. 👍
unreal,i replaced my front gsxr ones this morning!!!!!!!!
Always find your tutorials very helpful. Thank you👍
So once you've replaced the pads and pumped the brakes. How much should new pads rub? I'm always confused as to how much rubbing is too much.
hello! thanks for your nice words. For my fzs 153cc (fazer byson) carburetor bike, company manual book recommended 20w50 grade engine oil, but I used 10w40 due to unavailability of reputed company's oil like mobil1, motul, liquimoly etc. . Will it be a problem? What should I do? My odo is nearly 60000 KM. I live in a tropical monsoon-type climate, with a hot and rainy summer and a dry winter.
i was very sad when the mc garage guy left but ive found him again!
Nice tips! Thanks for the video.
I totally agree about not putting grease on the back of the brake pads. Talk about gumming up your Pistons with dirt. I've seen many tutorials telling you to do that. It might be okay if you're a pro Rider and your bike gets broke down and tuned after every race.
I don't agree with the greaseless. I personally recommend at least a thin film application, very conservative. Grease prevents any metal from being stripped or shaved. Anyway, ride safe, god bless u.
i can never find out why but on all dirt bikes and atvs I've had the brake material shears off the backing plate . non of my road bikes though. most people hit the trails carrying spare brake leavers. i carry spare brake pads
How does one determine whether his pads need replacing, or his brake fluid/line need attention?
My rear braking on my 2018 Grom feels "uneven"...
Please advise, thanks
SOOOOO, I totally just squeezed those brake pistons down until they hit the calipers with the brake off. Cant seem to get them to back off. Gonna try a bench vice. Any tips for this situation?
Jebus, Zach is fucking RIPPED these days!
Oh, and yeah, this is one of the best brake tutorials out there.
Should my pads be very hot for the break in miles?
Can u make a video on shelf life of engine oils
amazing vid thanks ari
OMG never thought about your very clever way to mesure disc thickness, i feel dumb now having bought a micrometer for this purpose....
A micrometer is the right way to measure a brake disc.
Blessings sir. 🙌🏻❤️
Most excellent and thorough👍
Is it normal for the brakes to be a spongy once you replace both pads and rotors? I guess since I just did it they still haven't broken in.
Is this same process for radial mounted 4 piston caliper
Yup!
Thanks
Chrisfix used Copper Anti Seize for the sliding area
had to return mine. website has the wrong ones listed for the front brakes.
I pressed my front brake while there wasn't an brakecirkel, I managed to get it fully open again and changed the oil and aired it out, buth the front brake wont close anymore so is there like a way to fix that??
Hi, I have a question. When I assemble my brake caliper it fits nice. But when I start pumping the brakes up, the brake pads start rubbing on the disk. Any tips?