Motorcycle brake pads are often an overlooked component. Whereas, the brake pads play a critical role in ensuring the safety and also performance of motorcycles. These parts are responsible for converting your hand lever or foot pedal input into the stopping power.
Get to Know About Motorcycle Brake Pads
Brake pads are integral to your bike’s safety and performance. The primary function of this component is to create friction. When you apply the brakes, calipers squeeze the brake pads against the rotating brake discs (rotors). So, they generate friction, which slows down and ultimately stops the motorcycle.
As the brake pads generate friction, they also produce heat. High-quality brake pads helps efficiently dissipate this heat to prevent overheating. Which can lead to brake fade and reduced braking performance.
Motorcycle brake pads must provide consistent and smooth braking performance. They should engage also disengage without sudden jerks. Then, ensuring a comfortable and controlled riding experience. There are different types of brake pads available, each with its unique characteristics:
- Organic brake pads are made from a mix of materials like rubber, fiberglass, and carbon. They offer good initial bite and are relatively quiet but may wear out faster.
- Sintered pads are composed of metal particles and they provide excellent heat resistance and also durability. To make them suitable for high-performance and off-road motorcycles.
- Ceramic motorcycle brake pads are known for their low dust production, which helps keep the wheels clean. They offer a good balance of performance and longevity.
Brake Pad Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your brake pads is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. Properly functioning brake pads ensure effective stopping power, also allowing you to react to potential hazards swiftly. There are essential tips for the maintenance of your brake pads.
1. Regular Inspection
Frequent inspection is the cornerstone of brake maintenance. Check your motorcycle brake pads for wear and tear at least once a month. Look for signs of thinning or uneven wear, as these can indicate the need for replacement.
Don’t forget to ensure that your brake fluid is at the recommended level. Because low brake fluid can lead to reduced braking performance. Top up the brake fluid reservoir with the manufacturer’s recommended fluid as needed.
2. Cleanliness
Keep your brake pads and rotor surfaces clean. Excessive dirt and debris can lead to accelerated pad wear and reduced braking efficiency. So, you can use a soft brush or compressed air to remove contaminants.
3. Brake Pad Replacement
If the brake pads have worn down to less than 2 mm or show signs of wear, such as squeaking noises and less responsive brakes, these are signs the brake pads need to be replaced. Invest in high-quality brake pads from reputable manufacturers. Quality brake pads are designed to provide consistent performance and have a longer lifespan. It’s also making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
According to the RevZilla channel, replacing motorcycle disc brake pads can be done independently. The process begins by removing the brake caliper from the disc brake pad after securing the motorcycle on a level surface. Once the caliper is removed, the piston needs to be pushed back to its original position using a wrench or lever. Next, the old pads are removed and replaced with new ones. It’s recommended to apply copper grease to the back of the pads to prevent friction noise. Afterward, the caliper is returned to its original position and the bolts are tightened to the specified torque. Finally, the brake lever is pressed several times to ensure the piston pushes the pads into the proper working position. Do a light test run.
This replacement process generally takes around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the type of motorcycle, the condition of the bolts and caliper, and the rider’s experience in performing DIY maintenance. In addition to saving repair costs, replacing brake pads yourself also helps motorcycle owners better understand the condition of their vehicle.
So, taking care of your motorcycle brake pads is essential for your safety on the road. If you are unsure about any aspect of brake pad maintenance or notice unusual brake behavior. You can seek the assistance of a qualified motorcycle mechanic.
