With the weather getting nicer, a lot of motorcyclists are dusting off their motorcycles and performing their routine spring tune up. One very important area to check is your brakes. Otherwise it will be very difficult to stop by just dragging your feet going 50 mph.

I will mainly focus this article on replacing the rear brake pads. This job is very simple, and takes less then a half hour. Even a government employee could do it.

1] For this step you will use a flat tip screwdriver between the pad, and rotor. Gently pry the pad outward to push the piston back in the caliper.

2] Find and remove the retaining clip on the pin. Remove clip.

3] Using a small punch drive the pin half way out. You will want to leave it so that it holds the inboard pad in place.

4] Remove, and replace the outboard pad. Make sure that it is seated in the caliper. Slide your punch in the hole so that the pad stays in place.

5] Pull pin the rest of the way out, and replace the inboard pad.

6] Re install the pin through both pads. I use a long extension, and go through the wheel to knock the pin in completely.

7]

Finally, reinstall the retaining clip.

Now for the helpful hints.

First only replace one pad at a time. If you remove both pads at the same time the anti rattle shim will fall out, and you will have to remove the wheel to get it back in place Do not attempt to remove the caliper. All you will get for your trouble is heart ache Once you are done follow this pad break in procedure to avoid noise, and premature wear Get to 30 MPH, and slowly apply rear brake till a complete stop. Count to 30 and do it again. You are trying to stop without heating up the pads: so go easy. Repeat this procedure at least 10 times. 20 is better.

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