Replacing front brake pads

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May 15, 2008 | 08:02 PM

xltjim

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Replacing front brake pads

Hi all, I am replacing the front brake pads on my 1977 sportster. The pads arrived with the rivets and the manual says to use a hollow rivet set to install them. Needless to say, I haven't got one of those and got the strange blank stare when I asked the service guy at the dealership about it. I could check with the local machine shop, but thought I would check with you guys if you have a way to attach the pads with the rivets, or a way to fabricate a tool which I would probably only use this time for this. I appreciate the help.
Regards,

Jim

May 15, 2008 | 08:15 PM

supr2nr

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Joined: Dec 2007

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From: West Tennessee

RE: Replacing front brake pads

Here's what I did. Just went to autozone and picked up a set of flat tip punches. Used one to hold the rivet in place and then used another one and a hammer to punch the rivet and hold the pad. Worked like a charm. You will have to hit the hell out of the punch to bend the rivet and you will likely either need an extra set of hands to hold everything in place or use a vice.

May 15, 2008 | 09:59 PM

pyro

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Joined: Nov 2005

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From: Georgia

RE: Replacing front brake pads

You know, if you listen to Randy, you'll end up stuck on the side of the road.[sm=smiley2.gif]

https://www.hdforums.com/m_3364153/tm.htm

Rich

May 16, 2008 | 08:52 AM

supr2nr

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From: West Tennessee

RE: Replacing front brake pads

Yah but not because of the brakes.......errr...well at least not yet.

May 16, 2008 | 06:20 PM

xltjim

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RE: Replacing front brake pads

Thanks guys! I will give that a try (the punches not the breakdowns....at least I hope).

Jul 2, 2008 | 09:52 PM

xltjim

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RE: Replacing front brake pads

Hey I finally got to it and got it.&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; I made a jig (of sorts) to back up behind the rivet.&nbsp\\; Just a screw through a 2x4 high enough to back up the rivet.&nbsp\\; I think I will call that harley tool no. 007.&nbsp\\; And a center punch to flare out the end of the rivet.&nbsp\\; Then a flat punch a little larger then the rivet to beat in into place.&nbsp\\; Looks good and tight.&nbsp\\; Fun working on these darn things although she tries to get the best of me at times.&nbsp\\; Thanks!!