How to Adjust Bike Brakes?

Motorbikes with disc brakes have better brake feedback and more stopping power. They look different; no clumsy calipers in the middle of your racks, no brake dust pouring over your torso, and no pads to examine at stoplights and mutter, "I need to switch those when I get into work today." But the novelty also means relearning basic bike tactics you thought you knew, such as adjusting your brake pads.

Before trying this, you must be knowledgeable about what you're doing. Although not the most challenging motorcycle maintenance chore, if the brakes fail, a casual error might result in your death. At any time, if you need clarification on whether you are carrying out the instructions correctly, stop and take the motorbike to repair.

Do This If You Have Prior Expertise

Brakes are one of the most crucial motorcycle safety elements. Take your bike to a mechanic qualified to work on your particular make and model if you still need to be confident about motorcycle parts. A maintenance blunder might have severe consequences.

Beware! Since there are so many different types of bike models, it is impossible to provide guidelines that apply to every bike. This page should enhance, not replace, your motorbike owner's handbook.

Step 1: Remove the Caliper Mechanism from the Brakes

Frequently, two bolts that need a number eight, ten, or twelve mm socket wrench are used to secure the brake caliper to the bike. The specific installation differs according to the model and company.

The other two bolts holding the brake pads in place may need to be "cracked" or slightly loosened if you use a conventional Allen-key wrench instead of a socket. After removing the caliper mechanism, the twist will offer little leverage.

Step 2: Take off the Brake Pads

The brake pads are typically secured in place by two bolts on motorcycles. These frequently have a key head attached. When using an Allen key socket, they are much simpler to remove and replace. After the bolts are loosened, the pads may either fall out naturally or must be manually wrenched out.

Some manufacturers could use cotter keys or retention pins to keep the brake pads in place. If they are there, mark their presence.

Most variants have one of the two pads shaped somewhat differently to fit into the caliper next to the front forks. Due to the need for exact shape and placement in the replacements, pay special attention.

Step 3: Remove the Caliper Pistons from the Passage

Behind the old brake pads, the pistons ought to be visible. You must first push these pistons as far back into the caliper cylinder as possible before you can attach your new brake pads. By doing this, the pistons are kept out of the way when replacing the brake pads, and the new pads are guaranteed to be flush with the caliper sidewalls.

The pistons can be manually pushed back in smaller motorcycles (250cc or less). For heavier motorcycles, push them back using reverse pliers or a flathead screwdriver with a large blade.

If you accidentally release the master cylinder cap or introduce air into the brake lines, you must (according to your owner's manual) bleed the brake line. This is optional in the majority of cases.

Step 4: Replace the Old Pads

Ensure the new pads match the originals in terms of size and form. Make sure you know which pad goes into which side of the caliper if the two pads are different sizes (typical). Place the pad in place and line up the bolt holes with the caliper's holes. Bolts should now be hand-tightened after being inserted.

Since the pads only fit into the calipers one way, they cannot be equipped backward on most bikes. Keeping an eye on where the old pads are placed is still a great idea.

Step 5: Install the Brake Caliper Mechanism Once Again

Assuming the brake pads are aligned with the bolt holes and flush with the caliper sides, it is necessary to reattach the caliper mechanism to the front brake rotor. Align the bolt holes on the caliper and the front forks or bracket (depending on the model).

Using a torque wrench, place the bolts and tighten them. It's crucial to tighten according to the exact specifications listed in your owner's manual. When driving, the bolts might be loose or break off due to improper torque.

Step 6: Retighten the Brake Pad Screws Completely

Remember that you hand-tightened the brake pad bolts. You can effectively complete tightening the Allen key bolts now that the calipers are stable. If your bike contains a cotter pin or other fastening mechanism, remember to replace it.

Step 7: Before Riding, Pump the Brake Lever

Pump the brake lever before you get on the bike. The brake fluid went back into the reservoirs of the master cylinder when the caliper pistons were pulled back. The initial press of the lever will meet no resistance upon reaching the grip, as though there was no fluid. Pump until you experience the ideal level of lever resistance and can feel the brakes applying pressure on the front rotor. Spin the front tire by hand one last time to make sure you can stop it by using the brakes.

After changing the brakes, be sure you follow this method. It would help if you pumped the brake fluid back down before the brakes worked.

Step 8: Use the Brakes Gently

Be gentle with the brakes over the following 250 miles. Adjustments are necessary for new brake pads to function properly. 250 to 350 miles of braking distance should be taken at a slow speed. This will allow you to apply the brakes gradually, preventing brake failure or rotor or pad damage.

Conclusion

Getting your first motorcycle with disc brakes is a huge deal. It features more robust brake feedback, more substantial modulation, and higher stopping power. There are no awkward calipers in the middle of your racks, no brake dust covering your body, and no brake pads for you to check at stoplights and remark.

The brake's caliper mechanism should be removed. Eliminate the brake pads. Clear the path by removing the caliper pistons. Change the worn-out pads. Put back in the brake caliper mechanism. Completely tighten the brake pad screws. Pump the brake lever before you get on the bike. And you may now proceed!