I rebuilt the front master cylinder (rubber parts pia, hope it holds) and thought I better dump the fluid on the front and rear and do the pads.

What is average mileage for pads?

Are the rear pads much harder to change?

I think I have about 15000 miles.

I got about 14K miles on my rear pads and they were just about gone. Can't help you much on changing them, I had the local indie do it. A few weks later I did my front pads, cause Gronk told me I was a wuss for having the indie do the rear pads. The front were a piece of cake, I don't think the rears are that much harder though. Oh yea, I still had about half a pad on the front at 15K miles.

Gary

At the price for pads I change them long before they need it. Average mileage will depend on the type of riding you do. Rear pads are a cinch but I gotta ask, why are you dumping the fluid?

BTW, IMHO the front pads should be just as worn or more so that the rear.

BTW, IMHO the front pads should be just as worn or more so that the rear.Yea, I was pretty surprised by that, I think I use my front brake more than the rear too. Maybe not though?

I'll agree with you on the changing them more frequently though. They're cheap and easy to do, so there isn't any big reason not to. For me it was first bike syndrome not really knowing what to expect with them cause I had no experience.

Gary

At the price for pads I change them long before they need it. Average mileage will depend on the type of riding you do. Rear pads are a cinch but I gotta ask, why are you dumping the fluid?

BTW, IMHO the front pads should be just as worn or more so that the rear.

My fronts look worn, didn't look at the back just figured I would do both.
I decided to dump the fluid in the front because I rebuilt the mc and wanted everthing clean. The brake fluid that came out looked so bad I figured I should dump the rear when also. I think brake fluid like other fluids can break down over time and use.

That's pretty understandable Gary. Tearing into something we've never done before can be pretty intimidating.

It's interesting about using the front brake. I always think I use it a lot but the other day, some clown cuts me off at low speed and I instinctively spiked the rear pedal and the rear kicked out slightly. I'm gonna have to stay more aware of that.

. I think brake fluid like other fluids can break down over time and use.

That's true in most cases. I'm not sure about the DOT5 but I'll assume it breaks down as well. It's recommended by many to dump it once a year but truthfully, I don't do it.

That's true in most cases. I'm not sure about the DOT5 but I'll assume it breaks down as well. It's recommended by many to dump it once a year but truthfully, I don't do it.

I wont do it soon or let alone every year. Fluid is expensive and bleeding brakes really sucks. :) But the fluid did look nasty that I drained out.

Gary what is the size of the star bolt on the brakes? I need to buy some star sockets so I can replace my brake pads. It is a pretty small star bolt.

Replacing brake pads is quite straight forward. I have done it on all of my bikes.

The one thing i do not understand: why do people continually talk about bleeding brake fluid as if it were difficult? It is a trivial task. Requires just a little patience like all the other stuff. If you are among those who have been intimidated into not doing it yourself, just go do it.

Gary what is the size of the star bolt on the brakes? I need to buy some star sockets so I can replace my brake pads. It is a pretty small star bolt.The mounting bolts are 10mm the pad pins are 1/4", all 12 point.

Gary

There seems to be a popular myth surrounding the DOT5 fluid. Apparently it's supposed to be harder to bleed??. I've never had a problem with it myself.

There seems to be a popular myth surrounding the DOT5 fluid. Apparently it's supposed to be harder to bleed??. I've never had a problem with it myself.

Only difference i could determine was the color.

and the price!

At the price for pads I change them long before they need it. Average mileage will depend on the type of riding you do. Rear pads are a cinch but I gotta ask, why are you dumping the fluid?

BTW, IMHO the front pads should be just as worn or more so that the rear.


I have an 04 and the wife an 02 and a sets of pads are running me about $55 (US) at the local dealer and a little less at the 20%ers with shipping. If you know of a deal tell me.

sound a bit high.

My dealer charged me about $36 for the front pads.

Gary

That's not high, I paid $72 for my pads.
I got fresh fluid and new pads job completed.
I'm going to final check the brake pressure again today. Bleeding wasn't terrible but it is a bit messy and never quite sure if I got the most pressure.
I noticed my rear brake light doesn't come on for the first inch of travel. I need to find out how to adjust that.