New Brake Pads at 5K?

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Apr 23, 2008 | 01:50 PM

#11

badjustbad

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 435

Likes: 2

From: Alberta, Canada

RE: New Brake Pads at 5K?

I just bought a '08 Road King Classic. The brake squeeling drove me crazy and the stealer says "Harley's had the squeel for years and there's nothing that can be done."

At less than 2000 miles, I replaced the pads with Lyndal pads to cure the noise problem and in the process ended up with quieter more predictable braking. Lyndal claims long brake pad life, but I can't prove this yet.

Assuming you don't have some other defect (e.g., bad caliper) I recommend replacing the pads yourself. They are easy to replace, aren't that expensive and the improved brakingis wellworth it.

Apr 23, 2008 | 03:15 PM

#12

Neckball

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 3,108

Likes: 9

From: Lincolnton, NC

RE: New Brake Pads at 5K?

Check your service manual to see what the minimum wear spec is, or ask the service manager what it is. Compare it to a new pad and then decide if new pads are really needed based on the numbers and not someone else's opinion.

Apr 23, 2008 | 03:26 PM

#13

RKKY

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 2,049

Likes: 6

From: Oregon City, OR

RE: New Brake Pads at 5K?

Not common but not entirely unusual either. Have seen rear brake pads down to the metal at 5k and have seen them last past 20k. It's mainly how you ride and how you brake plus caliper, rotorand master cylinder condition. I'm not at the shop and don't havemy manual at home, but if I remember right the spec for replacement is approx. 1.6mm. I will usually have the service writer contact the customer if the pads are at 2mm or less. Especially if it is a low milage bike, because that means the customer really likes to use their rear brakes. Most (I'd estimste 80-85%) opt to get new pads when their pads are that close to spec. Haven't tried out Lyndal pads personally, but have heard good things about them (here and elsewhere) and may give 'em a try next time I need new pads.

Apr 23, 2008 | 04:10 PM

#14

Bertk

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 5,788

Likes: 203

From: SW Florida

RE: New Brake Pads at 5K?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Neckball

Check your service manual to see what the minimum wear spec is, or ask the service manager what it is. Compare it to a new pad and then decide if new pads are really needed based on the numbers and not someone else's opinion.

From the 08 touring service manual:
Replace both rear brake pads (inner and outer) if the friction material of either pad is worn to 0.016 (0.4 mm) or less above the backing plate.

Replace all front brake pads (inner and outer pads of both the left and right side calipers) if the friction material of any single pad is worn to 0.016 (0.4 mm) or less above the backing plate.

I personally would not want to let them get that thin.

Apr 23, 2008 | 07:50 PM

#15

RKKY

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 2,049

Likes: 6

From: Oregon City, OR

RE: New Brake Pads at 5K?

Should have been more specific on my response. The specsI mentioned are for 99-06, the newer Brembo set-up has different wear limits. Sorry should have seen in your sig that you had an 07 Glide. Oh well, maybe some one else with an 06 or older needed their specs. I also agree with Bertk that .016" (.4mm) is a little thinner than I'd like to see my brake pads at before swapping them out.

Apr 23, 2008 | 08:02 PM

#16

big_al

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 4,523

Likes: 1

From: South Florida

RE: New Brake Pads at 5K?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: FastHarley

I respectfully disagree with everyone above. The miles that you put on the pads are a direct result to the driving conditions and driving style. Do you drive in NYC, go stop light to stop light? Run the bike hard? I would ask to see the pads before you put new ones on. You may not have an idea of who made the pads unless you either put on the new ones and/or the bike is brand new. 7,000 is not unusual for stock pads.

Driving habits make a difference in this discussion.

The better pads get much more than that. I have used another brand of after-market pads on my rear and got worse than that & I hardly use the rear brake, they were just crap pads from the begining. The best is look at the pads yourself than determine if they are warn out if you know what you are doing. If you do not know what is warn out, ask a second opinion from someone you trust or take a photo with measurements and post here for these great forum members to help you. Again, there is no blanket facts concerning brake pads. Look for yourself. It would such if you were wrong! My two coppers.

I agree 100% with this comment for example
two people live in the same house same vehicle, work in the same place, drive the same exact route and i guarantee you that both of them will get different gas mileage and different brake pads wear 100% guaranteed because not every person has the same driving habits.

Apr 23, 2008 | 08:19 PM

#17

biz44

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 2,424

Likes: 0

From: Hoboken, New Jersey

RE: New Brake Pads at 5K?

By the time the friction material gets down to 0.4mm it starts cracking and peeling away from the backing. I replace my own, and advise any customers I have to replace them as soon as they are under 2mm. Unless of course you know what time it is and can stay on top of the situation, and replace them when you got the time......but you would know that a pad replacement is in the mail.

Apr 23, 2008 | 08:43 PM

#18

CherryHog

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 979

Likes: 0

From: west of the west side of Indy, many miles from nowhere

RE: New Brake Pads at 5K?

A buddy of mine who used to use his rear brakes almost all the time wore out his first 2 sets at around 5k each on his EG. Now he uses the fronts more - they seem to last a lot longer.