So it's time for new pads on my 06 SG. I have never done a brake job on a bike before, however I am confident that I can. I just have a question. What do I have to do to get the rear caliper off to get to the pads?

 

Take the two bolts that hold the caliper to the bracket off, it can be done by just removing the rear bolt and swinging the caliper up but it's easier if you take the caliper completly off. Also take the top of your fluid resivoir off and put rags around it to catch any fluid that will overflow when you push the piston back. Just a note, for around $50 you can get a Harley mataintance manual. worth the price.

 

Replacing the pads does NOt require removing the rear caliper. The pads are replaced simply by retracting the pistons to allow for ample room to unbolt the pads and remove them. BTW, removing the rear caliper requires removing the rear wheel. You do however remove the front calipers.

You loosen the rear brake master cylinder cover and insert a putty knife between the brakepad and rotor and ease the pad back and the pistons behind it will compress into the caliper. You do this to both pads. Then loosen and remove the pad pins.You will need a 1/4" 12 point socket to remove the pad pins. Pull out the pads and replace with new pads paying attention to the shape of the inner and outer pads making sure that you replace the old pads with the new one that are the same shape. Reinstall the pins and seat the pads by depressing the brake pedal. Check your fluid level and reinstall master cylinder cover. Where is Blackstone MA?

PS: Do yourself a favor and take a file and chamfer the leading edge of the new brake pads, usually 3 sides, the left, right and bottom. This will help in eliminating the possibility of your new pads squealing.

 

-remove the caliper, do not let it hang by or stress the hose, if you need to leave it, use a piece of wire to hang it, or other wise leave it supported.

a satisfying brake job requires that you remove the pad, then give the area a good cleaning before the new pads are positioned, do not use metal tools to push the pad or on the brake rotor ( disk).

pushing the pistons back into the bore will displace fluid back toward the reservoir- or, I crack the bleeder valve and push the pistons in, closing the bleeder while under positive pressure to prevent air from entering the system.
This expels the dirtiest fluid

the pins need to be clean and lubed ( I think the H-D kit comes with new pins)

and an anti-squeak applied to the back of the pads.

brakes squeak when the pads vibrate in place, the RTV -like anti squeak will absorb or resist vibration


If you have not done a brake job on your car, you may want to get help

mike

 

That's the thing though I HAVE done many brake jobs on cars . It just looked a little different to me so I wanted to ask to avoid unnecessary agrivation

 

Blackstone is a little old mill town on the blackstone river just north of the Woonsocket rhode island border