Brake Pads/Caliper

[greenbarn]

The rears won't be much different than the fronts.  They are both disc brakes, and will be pretty similar.

[Diddly squatt]

I've got the front brake working and learned a lot from the experience. I suspect the brake fluid was low and when I took the caliper off, air got into the line. I suspect the brake fluid might have been the original (say 11+years) as it was black and gummy at the caliper end. I removed the pistons and cleaned the grime build-up and they slid all of the way into the caliper housing. I then bled the system until all of the old fluid was out.  Now that I feel comfortable with the disk brakes, I will do the rear brake this weekend. I'm a beginner at working on a motorcycle, but with a good service manual and the support of the VDR friends, I don't think I would be afraid to tackle any maintenance, repair project.  Mike

[CDNRatMan]

I use these and have not had any issues with them

https://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/ebc-double-h-sintered-brake-pads.html

I am a real freak about my brakes and want then to be touchy because I like them like that ........I have been using these since I bought the bike and not a problem ever.

[Diddly squatt]

Thank you fellows. I will do as you recommend and install tomorrow. I measured the pads while I had it off and there is a lot of use left in them.  I was going to order a set of pads for future use list to have on hand. Any recommendations? Thanks again, Mike

[greenbarn]

Like Ratman said- with new (thick) pads, the pistons will have to be pushed all the way back.  You can either use the wood block like he said, or one of the old brake pads.  The brake pad should go all the way back, and be pretty much flush with the caliper (on the piston side).

[CDNRatMan]

  Mike did you just replace the pads?

sometimes you might need to use a small block of wood and "C" clamp and move the pistons back. Good time to also check for any issues with the piston seals on the calipers.

[Diddly squatt]

I just reinstalled my front wheel but the brake pads in the caliper are too close together to accept the rotor. Do I need to open the bleeder valve to release the pressure so I can get the pistons to relax some? My service manual says to push them in by hand but they don't want to budge. I'm new at this and don't want to damage anything. Thanks for your help, Mike