How to Change the Front Brake Pads on Bikes

Chinese Scooter bike motor Chinese Scooter bike are relatively inexpensive yet incorporate surprisingly sophisticated technology. For example, they have complete electric starting, charging, directional and lighting electronics that rival small cars. They also have front and rear caliper disc brakes with ventilated disc rotors and ball-bearing-enhanced lead screw actuators that multiply hand-braking force many times to assure quick, safe stops. Replacing the front brake pads on a Chinese Scooter bike is a straightforward project.

Under The Hood:

• How to Change the Front Brake Pads on a Dyna Super Glide
• How to Change the Front Brake Pads on a Kawasaki Concours
• How to Replace Front Brake Pads on a Chinese Scooter

 How to Change the Front Brake Pads on a Dyna Super Glide

Remove the caliper. Depending on the year of your Dyna Glide, it will either be held on with bolts or retaining clips. If it has bolts, there will be an upper and lower one that can be removed with an Allen wrench. If it has retaining clips, turn the clips until they jut out of the caliper, then pull them out with a pair of pliers. The caliper can then be removed from the bike by hand.

Visually inspect the caliper for damage. If it is cracked or otherwise damaged, replace it. In the more likely case that it is fine, spray it down with brake cleaner.

Remove the brake pads from the caliper by hand.

Press down on the front brake pedal to force the piston all the way out of the caliper, then spray it and the springs down with brake cleaner.

Use the end of a screwdriver to force the caliper's piston to the bottom of its bore.

Install the new brake pads into where you removed the old.

Follow the directions in reverse for reassembly.

 How to Change the Front Brake Pads on a Kawasaki Concours

Open the front master cylinder by removing the screws that secure the lid using a screwdriver. The front master cylinder is located next to the throttle on the right side of the handlebars.

Remove the two bolts that secure the brake caliper to the caliper bracket using an Allen wrench. The caliper is located on the right side of the front wheel and secures to the back side of the front fork.

Pull the caliper off the brake rotor and remove the brake pads.

Squeeze the caliper piston back into the back side of the caliper using a pair of pliers.

Place the new pads into the caliper and then slide the caliper back over the rotor.

Secure the caliper to the caliper bracket using the two bolts and Allen wrench.

Close the lid on the front master cylinder using a screwdriver, and then squeeze the brake lever a coupe of times to seat the brake pads against the rotor.

 How to Replace Front Brake Pads on a Chinese Scooter

Removal

Put the scooter up on a cycle hoist, or lift the front of the scooter onto a small bench or stand. The front wheel should be free to spin.

Use a metric Allen wrench to remove the two socket head machine bolts holding the disc caliper assembly on the scooter. The assembly should include the wear compensator bracket. You should not need to disconnect the front brake actuator cable from the caliper assembly.

Use a metric Allen wrench to remove the two socket-head machine bolts holding the rear caliper casting to the main caliper body. Hold the assembly together and drop out the screws, pads and old separator spring. This spring looks like a small hairpin. It holds the pads apart when not braking so the disc can spin freely. Replace it too, because brake heat gradually diminishes its spring rate.

Take the caliper actuator assembly apart over a pan lined with foil. There will be a lead screw with a follower that has small depressions to hold three small steel balls. There will also be a one-piece disc with a post that sits inside the caliper. Clean all parts with penetrating oil, and wipe them completely clean and dry with a clean shop towel. Keep these small parts inside the pan while cleaning, as you can easily lose them.

Rotate the front wheel while taking the glaze off both sides of the brake disc with the emery cloth. Inspect the disc for warping or bending; it should spin straight and true.

Replacement and Reassembly

Clean your hands and reassemble the caliper the way it came apart. Put a coating of the anti-seize lube on the bearing balls and inside their retention cavities.

Push the posted disc against the balls, and mount one of the brake pads. Position the other brake pad into the back caliper piece, and position the ends of the small spring into the notches in each pad.

Bolt the rear caliper piece back onto the front assembly and tighten.

Mount the front caliper assembly back on the front fork. Make sure the brake disc slides easily between the two brake pads. Spin the wheel, and squeeze the front brake handle on the handlebars. The wheel should stop immediately and smoothly.

Take a ride and test the front brake. It will take a few days of use to complete the wear-in process. The brake may need a slight adjustment, which you can do by shortening the cable end at the actuator.