Changing Brake Pads?

[Euroned]

Just noticed my pads are fairly worn and will need changing soon. For a mechanical novice is it :

1) Easy for me to do?
2) Safe for me to do?
3) Will it work, as I commute on my bike daily?
4) Which pads are recommended?


 Thanks for all the help and advice.


 Cheers

 Neil

[bosnjo]

It is easy and safe to do. I mean, if you're talkin only about changing pads. But, as you are already changing pads, it'd be good to perform full calipers cleaning (including pistons) and aply copper compound at the back of new pads to avoid any future squeaking of pads. That said, only you know if you can do it.
Pads? I'd go with OEM as they are very good pads but you can choose EBS if you like them more.

[frez]

It is easy to do if you have a reasonable set of tools that includes a torque wrench so you don't over torque the bolts. Many mechanics would torque the bolts by feel based on years of experience, but for the novice its better to be safe than sorry. Alternatively, pay an independent workshop to change them, it shouldn't be expensive.

[Holmsey]

As a complete bike novice I serviced the calipers and greased the pads a month ago .... my advice is buy a Haynes manual to get you through but as some will say ... be careful of the torque settings. .... ask on here for that ..... Once you have done the brakes once it's easy after that.

Just my tuppence

[StromGeeza]

Get the Haynes manual. It's an easy job to DIY.

The thinnest smear of copper grease on the backs of the pads, and watch for the level of brake fluid in the reservoir- the new pads will be a bit thicker so the fluid level inside will rise.

Are you near any Strommer who could check over your handiwork?

[user650]

Manual available to download from here http://www.v-strom.co.uk/downloads.htm

[krisv]

Very easy job to do mate. Get some red rubber grease and put a bead around the piston and a bit of copper slip on the back of the pads to stop squealing. The most difficult bit I had was removing the cap on the rear caliper pin. Some monkey had tightened it too much. Put a bit of copper slip on the cap to make it easier to get out next time.

[Big Al wi the Vee]

Don't make the same novice mistake as me; When buying your front pads, remember to order left and right pads, they are different numbers. Silly of me to expect a dealer to know that I wanted a set for my DL1000 (front) and for the dealer to send me two of the same side.
Guess, I'll pop down to Saltire this afternoon to see if he can give me a right side only!

[Big Al wi the Vee]

£28 a side ffs....

[Stobie]

Do you get shares in the company for that ?

EBC HH are only around £40. a set.

Stobie

[Euroned]

Got quoted £152 for fitting brakes front and rear!! That's plenty enough!!!
 Would be cheaper if I buy the pads then they fit them, not got torque wrench and  wife worried I'll do it wrong and become brown bread!    

 Can anyone put up link to buy recommended pads for XK9???

 Thanks for help and advice all!


 Cheers

 Neil

[mr_diver]

I did a caliper clean and put the good pad back in amd fluid flush and a valve check for 2 t shirts, a tool tube and some stickers... think I under charged!

[StromGeeza]

I did a caliper clean and put the good pad back in amd fluid flush and a valve check for 2 t shirts, a tool tube and some stickers... think I under charged! ::

Depends if the T shirts were quality V-strom.co.uk collector's items...  

[mr_diver]

One was... one was from that renegade lot at adventurebikers.net which I am currently wearing at the local trail riders map plotting night.

[Locky]

Map plotting night, what's all that about Diver ? Bet you get pissed

[mr_diver]

I've had a few beers yes.
I have a firmer grasp of how to navigate the trails and where the local ones are.
I spent a bit of time with the Salisbury/Marlborough maps and showing some of the boys the trails we did (what I remember of them) as a few of them wanted pointers for their trip there in December.

[Locky]

That's a great way to spend an evening, drinking beer and pointing at maps. You could have started something here .

[Jacko]

+1