How difficult to replace front brake pads on 2018 Ultra?
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 308
Likes: 127
From: ON Canada
How difficult to replace front brake pads on 2018 Ultra?
My local shop is booked up for the next 3 weeks but my front brake pads should be changed soon. How difficult is this job, can I do it? Im able to do minor maintenance but have never tackled this. Can someone provide some general tips, and does ABS make it more difficult? Ill get OEM pads
.
Thanks
Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,119
Likes: 3,635
From: backwoods
Only done TC. Get a manual. Check what you need for the patch pins. 12 point 10mm? I carry on bike
Manual says not to complely remove. But I pull ever thing out and then use punches and long screwdrivers to hold while starting other bolt. Some times screwing around getting started.
Only done non ABS and TC. Read your manual.
Pads probably have front and back. And may not be same as rear pads anymore
Manual says not to complely remove. But I pull ever thing out and then use punches and long screwdrivers to hold while starting other bolt. Some times screwing around getting started.
Only done non ABS and TC. Read your manual.
Pads probably have front and back. And may not be same as rear pads anymore
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,500
Likes: 8,336
From: Inland NW
This. You will be pleasantly surprised be how quickly you get this done. Just pick up some OE pads as recommended, and the sheet will be in there.
As for the posts added about rear pads being different, that is not true at all, they are the same.
As for the posts added about rear pads being different, that is not true at all, they are the same.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,119
Likes: 3,635
From: backwoods
I like lyndall pads too. They have had/gold and black and various models. Last time I ordered Z from amazon. One of the models required a break in, which I didn't want to do. I can't say if models have changed since last purchase. But lyndalls are usually my first choise. Especially since harley use to make make crappy loud pads. Which bittered me on them.
You can lyndall primed to your house.
You can lyndall primed to your house.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,092
Likes: 12,638
From: South Carolina
The first thing to do is clean the outside of the master cylinder, then remove the cap.
Draw out the brake fluid with a syringe.
Replace the cap.
Unbolt the calipers from the forks, use a zip tie to support the caliper so that it does not hang from the hose.
Before you remove the old pads, you should clean the outside of the caliper pistons, it`s easy:
Spray a mixture of water and mild detergent onto the pistons (a dishwashing liquid bottle works great for this) and clean the area you can see with a small brush, and clean the back sides of the pistons using a shoelace.
Rinse with clean water, blow the area clean and dry.
Now you can spread the pads apart using a big screwdriver (you don't care about damaging the pads, they are scrap).
Remember to keep an eye on the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, don`t let it over flow.
You should also replace the pin, it should be part of the brake pad kit.
You will need a 10mm 12 point socket for the caliper mount bolts, torque to 28-38 Foot Pounds, no anti seize or loctite, just clean dry threads.
The torque for the pin is 75-102 INCH pounds, clean dry threads, be careful on the allen wrench size here, some of them are metric size, but some are imperial.
Draw out the brake fluid with a syringe.
Replace the cap.
Unbolt the calipers from the forks, use a zip tie to support the caliper so that it does not hang from the hose.
Before you remove the old pads, you should clean the outside of the caliper pistons, it`s easy:
Spray a mixture of water and mild detergent onto the pistons (a dishwashing liquid bottle works great for this) and clean the area you can see with a small brush, and clean the back sides of the pistons using a shoelace.
Rinse with clean water, blow the area clean and dry.
Now you can spread the pads apart using a big screwdriver (you don't care about damaging the pads, they are scrap).
Remember to keep an eye on the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, don`t let it over flow.
You should also replace the pin, it should be part of the brake pad kit.
You will need a 10mm 12 point socket for the caliper mount bolts, torque to 28-38 Foot Pounds, no anti seize or loctite, just clean dry threads.
The torque for the pin is 75-102 INCH pounds, clean dry threads, be careful on the allen wrench size here, some of them are metric size, but some are imperial.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jun 4, 2025 at 09:40 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 469
From: Phoenix Arizona
My local shop is booked up for the next 3 weeks but my front brake pads should be changed soon. How difficult is this job, can I do it? Im able to do minor maintenance but have never tackled this. Can someone provide some general tips, and does ABS make it more difficult? Ill get OEM pads
.
Thanks
Thanks
Hey OP,
If you have ever done car brakes, these are easier than car/truck.
you can do both front calipers in less than 30 minutes
Do it !
