Tired of paying dealers $$$$$$. I have a 2003 FXST bought used. Love My bike! Want to change oil and brake pads myself, never done it. DO I have to take rear tire off to change rear pads?

 

Buy a manual from the dealership or ebay or search on youtube, or use the search box on this forum. All 3 will get you in the right direction

 

Find an Indy in Ur area, I've used ours for the last two YRs for doing the tires and Pads..

He only charges $60/hr and usually does the work in 1/2 the time the dealers charge..

Last month I did the oils myself, Then went to our Indy and had him put two new tires on, also ft/rear pads.
I rode in with both tires and 1 set of brakes that I bought from Dennis Kirk, I bought the other set of pads from our Indy.

His Labor for removing, installing and balancing, both tires, install front-rear pads, and lubing cables was $160. IMO thats well worth the Money.

I check and do all the other work, like spokes, neck bearings, battery, bulbs.

Read through these links to learn how to do U own work...

http://www.dudeworld.com.au/HOWTO.HTML


http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...0&oq=softail+m


There's hundreds of good sites the will help U if I just take a coulpe minutes to look and do a search.

 

Yes the rear wheel has to come off to do the rears.

I'll second the "go buy a manual" There is no replacement for a good MOCO manual. Not a Clymer or other knock off, but an HD service manual.

Brakes and service is simple stuff. Buy the manual for $60 and make that money back and then some in your first service.

 

I agree 100%. $60 seems steep for the manual, but its a one time cost that you'll get back the first time you use it.

 

I agree with buying the service manual. Anyone doing work on their scoot needs a service manual. Their is also a ton of info and even videos on the net.

I don't necessarily agree with the rear wheel removal unless their is something I'm not aware of on the OP's model. I changed my rears without wheel removal in about 10 minutes. It's tight but very doable for anyone mechanically inclined.

 

I never pay someone to work on my bike. Get a manual and ask us how to do what you need. We are here to help.

Drew

 

Yep, rear tire should not have to come off. I pulled my rear brake caliper fine without having to take the wheel off. Service manual doesn't specify taking the wheel off, either. Unless the design of the swingarm and caliper have undergone a vast design change between 03 & 08 (besides the wider tire), there should be no reason that wheel would have to come off.

 

The rear pads are held in by 2 pins that screw in. No need to remove the caliper or axle. Just use a large screwdriver or pry bar with something covering them to press the pistons back in. Insert the pads and reinstall the pins.
Get the correct manual for your bike. There are subtle changes between years and you'll feel better knowing you did the job right.

 

Get a manual, invest in the right tools and do the work yourself. The best way to do it.