Brake Pad life
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Brake Pad life
How many miles can I expect to get on a set of front brake pads? I was gonna replace my front pads, but when I compare them to my new replacement set of Lyndall pads, they're still about 2/3 of the thickness of the Lyndalls. I currently have a little over 10k on my '08 Wide Glide's original pads. How much more can I expect? I know it varies based on how you ride, but $$$ is tight and I don't want to replace them too early, however I don't want to throw safety out the window either.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
I don't know but I have somewhere in the range of 26k-27k on my original OEM pads ('07 bike purchased in May '07) and they show no sign of needing changing...... I was kind of wondering what the deal was with that but I guess when I look back I do a lot of engine braking so that must be why they're wearing so slow.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 1
From: Modoc County,California
I think if your careful you could go maybe 30 thou on your pads. I replaced mine at 25 thou only because of the spendy rotors I bought and the pads were down to about a 32nd of an inch--guess I do more braking than I should. 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
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From: Augusta, GA
If you use both front and rear equally you should get 25K out of the front. If you primarily use the rear, you will probably never wear out the front.
...........and safety isn't an issue with stock H-D brakes, they work.
...........and safety isn't an issue with stock H-D brakes, they work.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Thanks for all the replies! I'm not worried about the safety of the design, just don't want to leave them on too long. Is there any sign to look for that the pads are ready to be replaced, or is the only way to visually inspect them and replace them when the material is worn down close to the backing plate?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 1
From: Modoc County,California
Thanks for all the replies! I'm not worried about the safety of the design, just don't want to leave them on too long. Is there any sign to look for that the pads are ready to be replaced, or is the only way to visually inspect them and replace them when the material is worn down close to the backing plate?
I believe it would be more cost effective to replace your pads and not have to turn (or replace) yer rotors.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
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From: Augusta, GA
I can't double check from the house but I think the actual replacement thickness for those pads is 1 (one) mm. zoopman is right that the side of the caliper you can't see will wear faster than the side you check.
As far as any signs, not really other than the squeal when steel hits steel.
As far as any signs, not really other than the squeal when steel hits steel.
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 66
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From: Colorado
Spec is .04 in. (1.02 mm) falls any where between 15 - 30 K depending how u ride. Rotors are gone between 50 - 70 K again how u ride. 2 ease th effort pads @ every other tire works well unless its back pads @ every tire like some I know. Myself ... I removed my rear brake completly after I figured out how 2 lock it up by down shifting back on my xls. Never touched them 2 years after th pdi when I did they went straight 2 the ground like they had no fluid so I took em off. Never used em. So if the belt breaks and then my frnt line pops we'll I guess I'm fu*ked. No worries have fun #ridesafe
