Replacing Brake Pads

Hi All,

Theres a possibility that my rear brake pads need replacing as they aren't working nearly as well as they should. Thing is my front ones seem fine, still plenty of life in them. I know its best to replace all but will it be OK just to change the rears?

(still got to check the brake fluid and bleed the brakes if necessary so this is more of a last resort!)

[ophic]

You can just replace the rears. It's not normal to replace front and rear at the same time, as the wear rates are totally different.

On a car you should replace the pads on the same axle at the same time. As the rear only has one wheel and one disc, it's not an issue.

[_Stretchie_]

I'd bleed the brakes first to see if that cures it.

What do you mean by "they aren't working nearly as well as they should", that might sound like a daft question but are they not working as well as they used to or compared to a different bike?

Cheers

I was lead to believe that you should replace all at the same time? Oh well I stand corrected! Makes it cheaper it if it is the pads

Should have worded it a bit better - they aren't slowing me down as much as they used to. Especially since its wet today - I'm having to use the front nearly all the time the rear is that bad. Bleeding them is my first thought, so will pop round to my parents later. Fingers crossed that sorts it - if not are EBC pads the best to get? seen some or about £16 (not inc postage) for HH pads

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by RavenWire

I'm having to use the front nearly all the time the rear is that bad.

You shouldn't be using the rear that much anyway

[ophic]

They need replacing if they're worn down. I wouldn't expect any difference in braking ability from worn pads to new ones, unless they are contaminated with oil or worn right down to the metal. If they are down to the metal, you'll probably need to replace the disc as well.

[timwilky]

Do not budget limited time for this simple procedure. Sods law states that the pins will be seized, the pistons will be seized. you will either end up splitting the calliper or drilling holes in it.

BTW, there are also two bleed nipples there, you need to do both sides.

Nothing wrong with replacing the fluid every so often either.

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by timwilky

Do not budget limited time for this simple procedure. Sods law states that the pins will be seized, the pistons will be seized. you will either end up splitting the calliper or drilling holes in it.

BTW, there are also two bleed nipples there, you need to do both sides.

Nothing wrong with replacing the fluid every so often either.

Yep definitely allow upto a day as they can be a sod to split and strip.

I would personally have spare seals etc ready incase that is the problem as the seals went on my fronts and it felt like brake fade

They look a bit thin to be honest but not down to metal as far as I can see. I'll be knackered if the calipers are screwed, will have to go see my dads mate to see if he can help me out with it.

YC - I use the rear brake in slow traffic, as I have to get through a bit of it before the national limit roads. Thats how I noticed it, was a bit of a surprise this morning when I tried to stop at the lights (was only doing about 15mph)

[yorkie_chris]

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