How To Replace Your Motorcycle Disc Brake Pads | The Shop Manual

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!

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.

[fabianschneider]

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 Youtube 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.

[Rahulchand-]

This is a most useful channel for bike lovers who like to maintain their ride.

[jameshimself]

Despite already knowing how to change my brake pads I still watch this video as if I din't. As always informative and entretaining.

[robertnewton]

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.

[SALTxTHExWOUND]

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! 😄🙌🏻

[qikaigao]

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.

[rimaspazereckas]

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...

[kawabungah]

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!

[cloud]

just bought some new pads and will be changing mine out tomorrow for the first time. Thanks for the helpful tips and knowledge!

[drkanishksalunkhe]

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!

[zyonsdream]

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.

[jasonmullin]

Don't forget to put the cap back on the reservoir before that test ride! Good video.

[azriramli]

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.

[official_king]

I must say this video has posted right when my rear brake pads have worn out! Talk about perfect timing aha!

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You should put thread locker on the calipers mounting bolts

[SawyerKnight]

I've changed pads before, but this was a nice refresher course, thx Ari. brap braaaap!

[TonyBelas]

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

[Racer]

I literally just searched for the Motorcycle Mag video this week. What timing.

[JMRSix]

My Vstrom doesn't even have 2000 miles on it, but I still like watching these videos. Love this series!

[machentee]

I have learned alot from you, and I look forward to learning more Thak you.