Motorcycle Brakes Repair and Maintenance Information

What you will find here:

• Difference between motorcycle disc and drum brakes
• Description of how motorcycle disc and drum brakes work
• How to check motorcycle brake pads and shoes
• How to change motorcycle brake pads and shoes

Typically there are one of two types of motorcycles brakes: disc and drum.

Drum brakes are rarely used, seldom seen and are not as popular as disk brakes as a choice for motorcycle brakes. If you see drum brakes on a motorcycle you will probably see them only in the back of motorcycle.

Disc brakes are the most popular type of brake system out right now. Disc brakes are almost always used on the front and most of the time on the back.

Rule of thumb

Before we dig into the details of motorcycle brakes please remember that all suggestions, recommendations or procedures might differ among manufacturer of motorcycles. Please use all information provided a general guide.

How motorcycle disc brakes work:

When you apply the brakes pistons squeeze inside a caliper (caliper does not move or rotate at all and is attached to the fork or frame of the motorcycle) which is pushed against the disc to slow your speed and eventually bring you to a stop. For disc brakes you will need to replace the brake pads from time to time as they wear out.

How motorcycle drum brakes work:

If you are familiar with automobile brakes then you already know how these type of motorcycle brakes work. Disc brakes simply use a set of horseshoe type of pads or shoes which when the brakes are applied they push against the inside of the drum hub or wheel hub. The disc brake shoes are still. They do not rotate. The hub or wheel hub on the other hand does. For drum brakes, just like in automobiles, you will need to replace the disc brake shoes from time to time as they wear out.

Which ever brake system your motorcycle has you want to make sure you always have a good set of brake pads or shoes and make sure you have plenty of material on them. Which takes us to the next topic of how to check your brakes, let's brake it down to disc pads and then move onto checking the drum brake shoes.

How to check motorcycle brake pads for your disc brakes:

This procedure depends on the design and type of calipers you have on your motorcycle. Some designs simply allow you to check them by looking between the caliper and the disc itself. Some motorcycles have a protective cover on them so you can't just look at them. In this case you will have to take the cover off, usually by using a scredriver, and inspecting them once in your view. You should check your brakes frequently. If you don't you will know when to check, you're bike will tell you by a decrease in performance, ie. longer stops, not responding as quickly, you have to use more effort. Bottom line is when you look at the pads and if they are wearing thin you have to replace them. Sometimes the material on the pads will change color as well from extreme heat.

How to check motorcycle brake shoes on your drum brakes:

To check the brake shoes you will have to take the wheel completely off the motorcycle. Once you remove the wheel there will most likely be a plate (commonly called the backing plate). Remove the backing plate which should be very loose. Each motorcycle is different and has different specifications from the manufacturer. Since visual inspection is difficult you will have to use the manual from the motorcycle manufacturer to explain what to look for and how to measure the shoes and the material on them. There is always an acceptivle shoe limit, follow it.

How to change motorcycle brake pads:

Here there are two importat parts: keep all parts and accessories clean as contamination might result in malfunction of your brakes and remember or write down the order in which parts go on or off the bike. Again, this depends on your motorcycle manufacturer. Some require that you take off the caliper and some don't. If you do have to remove the caliper, no problem. There are usually a few bolts that hold the caliper to the fork or frame of the motorcycle. Next remove the pins (they are usually held by a clip of some sort) that hold the pads to the caliper. Remove and replace the brake pads by using a set of pliars. If the new brake pads don't fit you might have to squeeze the piston back in on the caliper. Once you have the pads on simply in reverse order put everything back together.

Important: when you have the brake pads off check the disc itself, look and feel for abonormalities and uneven feel. If you have run down the brake pads too low they might have damaged the disc and would require you to change it.

How to change motorcycle brake shoes:

Important: Same as in brake pads make sure you keep everything clean. You have to remove the wheel to check the brakes. Changing them is simple. There are a few springs and in some cases clips that hold the shoes in place. If the clip is there simply remove it, if not move to next step. Next remove the springs by squeezing the brakes towards each other. Once you do that remove the springs and the shoes. Simply replace the shoes and reverse the order.