Brake pad change - now binding - SV650.org

22-01-12, 02:04 PM

I've just swapped the front brake pads on my ZX-6R. I thought it was
a nice easy job, and I even remembered to pump the lever a few times
to get the pads back on the disc. Now the pads seem to be binding - I can
still move the wheel by hand, and I can still wheel the bike around, but it's
hard work. Any ideas how I can fix it?

I pushed the pistons back by hand until they were about flush with the caliper
surface, which was a fair distance as the old pads were quite low. I've checked
the brake fluid reservoir and it's showing at about max, but doesn't look too
full. I even took the reservoir lid off, half expecting to get a shower in brake
fluid, but it seemed fine.

22-01-12, 07:06 PM

New Pads binding on the split pins ?

maviczap · 22-01-12, 07:17 PM

Did you clean the pistons & grease them with some red rubber grease before pushing them back into the caliper?

just make sure the pads aren't binding on the pins or the caliper either

rictus01 · 22-01-12, 07:18 PM

indeed, although just changing pads is a relatively simple thing to do, it should also be accompanied by a caliper service or an minimum a clean, the used friction material of the old pads covers most of the components and can lead to compromised operation (sticking), did you clean the previously exposed area of brake piston before forcing back into the body ?

Cheers Mark.

22-01-12, 07:20 PM

... and check that the caliper sliders aren't sticking.

mikerj · 22-01-12, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sputnik

... and check that the caliper sliders aren't sticking.

4 pot calipers on a ZX6R, there are no sliders to stick.

rictus01 · 22-01-12, 08:27 PM

not to be pedantic or anything, but possibly 6 pots and as said, brake dust buildup can cause sticking within the pad bed (as well as the pistons) making the pad twist on application.

Cheers Mark.

TheRamJam · 22-01-12, 08:34 PM

Have a look at the pins to see if there are any slight marks or grooves in them from wear in tear. If there is then its likely that is what's causing the problem. Replace the pins if needed.

With the pads out pump the lever a bit till you can see the pistons and give them a good cleaning with brake cleaner. Again check for any scoring our gouges. grease up and push back in. Hopefully this should sort the problem.

22-01-12, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rictus01

not to be pedantic or anything, but possibly 6 pots and as said, brake dust buildup can cause sticking within the pad bed (as well as the pistons) making the pad twist on application.

Cheers Mark.

6 pots indeed on a A1P

dyzio · 22-01-12, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rictus01

indeed, although just changing pads is a relatively simple thing to do, it should also be accompanied by a caliper service or an minimum a clean,

Brake cleaner/tooth brush or is there another way?

22-01-12, 02:04 PM	#1
JustATrick Guest Posts: n/a	Brake pad change - now binding I've just swapped the front brake pads on my ZX-6R. I thought it was a nice easy job, and I even remembered to pump the lever a few times to get the pads back on the disc. Now the pads seem to be binding - I can still move the wheel by hand, and I can still wheel the bike around, but it's hard work. Any ideas how I can fix it? I pushed the pistons back by hand until they were about flush with the caliper surface, which was a fair distance as the old pads were quite low. I've checked the brake fluid reservoir and it's showing at about max, but doesn't look too full. I even took the reservoir lid off, half expecting to get a shower in brake fluid, but it seemed fine.

22-01-12, 07:06 PM	#2
victor_meldrew Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Brake pad change - now binding New Pads binding on the split pins ?

22-01-12, 07:17 PM	#3
maviczap Member Mega Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 9,097	Re: Brake pad change - now binding Did you clean the pistons & grease them with some red rubber grease before pushing them back into the caliper? just make sure the pads aren't binding on the pins or the caliper either __________________ We're riding out tonight to case the promised land Make everyday count RIP Reeder - Jolly Green Giant and comedy genius

22-01-12, 07:18 PM	#4
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: Brake pad change - now binding indeed, although just changing pads is a relatively simple thing to do, it should also be accompanied by a caliper service or an minimum a clean, the used friction material of the old pads covers most of the components and can lead to compromised operation (sticking), did you clean the previously exposed area of brake piston before forcing back into the body ? Cheers Mark. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

22-01-12, 07:20 PM	#5
sputnik Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Brake pad change - now binding ... and check that the caliper sliders aren't sticking.

22-01-12, 08:27 PM	#7
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: Brake pad change - now binding not to be pedantic or anything, but possibly 6 pots and as said, brake dust buildup can cause sticking within the pad bed (as well as the pistons) making the pad twist on application. Cheers Mark. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

22-01-12, 08:34 PM	#8
TheRamJam Member Mega Poster Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North East Glasgow, UK Posts: 1,138	Re: Brake pad change - now binding Have a look at the pins to see if there are any slight marks or grooves in them from wear in tear. If there is then its likely that is what's causing the problem. Replace the pins if needed. With the pads out pump the lever a bit till you can see the pistons and give them a good cleaning with brake cleaner. Again check for any scoring our gouges. grease up and push back in. Hopefully this should sort the problem. __________________ Previous: Suzuki SV650S K9 - Sold Suzuki GSXR1000 K8 - Wrote Aff Honda Fireblade RR-9 - Sold Yamaha MT 10 - Sold Current Bike: Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory

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