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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
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Message started by sitkasavage on 04/07/09 at 15:44:13

Title: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by sitkasavage on 04/07/09 at 15:44:13

I seem to remember a thread for changing the front brakes with pictures, but can't find it again. Can anyone help?

PS There isn't a Suzuki Dealership, or parts store that carries the applicable parts, for hundreds of miles. Any suggestions for a the best on-line store?

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by Chopped on 04/07/09 at 16:14:59

or the brakes:
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1177184106

and for the parts:
www.bikebandit.com

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by thumperclone on 04/07/09 at 17:57:52

if i did it you can too
piece of cake...

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by Jay on 04/07/09 at 22:27:41

Totally easy. Took me all of 20 minutes, and I'm a nube with almost zero mechanical ability.

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by BOWDIER on 04/08/09 at 17:43:24

thanks maybe I will get up the nerve to do it now too

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by Rustbucket on 04/09/09 at 17:03:12

6E637B6865697E2C0 wrote:

thanks maybe I will get up the nerve to do it now too

It's very easy to do, 20 min job. and you should be able to push the caliper piston in by hand. I did, it went in smooth and easy. I'm ready to do pads again on mine, I rarely use the rear brake because i'd rather change the front pads 1000 times if it saves me from wearing out the rear!

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/10/09 at 13:46:19

The rear helps balance the stop. Wearing it out would take years. Replacing them is easy enough anyway. Nothing like a car drum brake.
How do you handle needing to make a quick stop? What if the road is sandy or theres loose gravel? I think a rider would be safer if he was comfortable using both brakes & practiced emergency stops using both. I see others complain about the front not being stout enough, but I can haul in on mine & make the front tire squall, which makes me loosen up on the grip a tad. Since the rear brake mod I can get it shut down a good bit quicker & not slide the rear tire.

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by matt_savage on 04/10/09 at 13:53:56

Justin,

What rear brake mod are you talking about?

-Matt

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/10/09 at 17:30:10

I used a grinder & with the edge of the disk sliced several grooves across the brake pad & tapered the leading edges so it doesnt lock up so easily.Now I can actually push on it hard enough to feel it with my ankle & I can modulate it. Before, I barely touched it & it would slide the tire,

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by Rustbucket on 04/10/09 at 18:07:34

647B7D7A6760516151697B773C0E0 wrote:

If that was directed at me, I didn't mean to imply that i never use the rear brake. When i need to shut it down in a hurry i use front and rear ofcourse, When i need the rear brake i use it as needed.
I meant that 90 something percent of the time you're riding straight line when coming up to a stop sign or red light. Those are the times when i'll use only the front brake. Plus i dont really ride hard up to a stop light so.. The prev owner of my bike wore out the front brake in 2500 miles, Now at 5000 miles it's time to replace it again. Just bought some EBC pads today for mine.

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by bill67 on 04/10/09 at 19:43:58

I always hit my rear brake first then the front,I also use the back brake more,I know they say thats not the right way but it feels right to me.

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/10/09 at 20:15:32

Heck, Bucket, I do that,too. I just make sure I use the rear enough to stay good at it. If Im just rolling up to a stop, Ill run thru the gears & shut down using just the front most of the time. Not only because the front brake is cheap & easy to replace, the rear tire doesnt need any more wear than its getting. If I dont use it for a lot of stopping, maybe it'll last another 15 minutes.

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by Rustbucket on 04/11/09 at 12:57:33

haha, I never considered the added wear on the rear tire. I did my front brakes this morning and oil/filter change. The pads still had about 1/3 left on them but i changed them out anyway. I'd guess my driving habits show me needing to do the front pads every 3000 or so miles.

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by KWKaletta on 04/11/09 at 23:09:18

I dreaded changing the front brakes. I found that when I finally quit procrastinating the hardest part was finding a c-clamp to compress the caliper so I could put the new pads on. Use the old brake pad under the c-clamp. :D

Title: Re: Thread for Front Brake Pad Change
Post by Rustbucket on 04/12/09 at 12:41:48

607C604A474E5F5F4A2B0 wrote:

Or just push the caliper piston in by hand. :)