Uneven brake pads

[Michael1300]

Hi,

Just curious if anyone would know why on a 2005 FJR1300 w/abs on the front wheel the brake pads would wear unevenly? My mechcanic said that one pad was metal/metal while the other 3 still had "meat" on them.

Any insight would be nice.

Thanks,

Mike Roberson

 

[vtwinn]

I inspected mine when I put a new tire on this month and the inner pads were thinner than the outers too.

A friend that was a Yammy mechanic said the pivot pins needed cleaning and lube.

Might be the same problem with yours?

 

[wfooshee]

Every vehicle I've ever owned has worn one side faster than the other. Of course on a car's sliding caliper that's easy to account for. On a multi-piston system like the bike's the pressure ought to relieve evenly, and give even wear.

His multi-material idea is BS. The pads are all the same stuff.

The pins have nothing to do with braking action, they just keep the pads in the calipers. Conditions that would keep more pressure on one pad compared to another are dirty pistons or stiff seals, making that piston unable to retract as well as the others. If that gets bad enough the brakes will drag enough the wheel won't freewheel if you lift it off the ground, and all the pads will have a very short life.

 

[Michael1300]

Thanks for the input. My mechcanic replaced both sets, added new brake fluid, and flushed and refilled the shaft drive for good measure - it was there might as well have it done.

It's amazing how much we rely on the front brakes for these larger bikes.

Mike Roberson

 

[wheatonFJR]

I suppose you asked him to change your rear drive oil?

I have no idea what working on front brakes has to do with rear drive fluid.

EDIT: Front brakes are relied on for all bikes, not just larger bikes. Taking a BRC or ERC would be a good refresher on the motorcycle systems and what each one of them does and why....or read Hough's books.

 

[SwollenRaccoon]

I suppose you asked him to change your rear drive oil?

I have no idea what working on front brakes has to do with rear drive fluid.

EDIT: Front brakes are relied on for all bikes, not just larger bikes. Taking a BRC or ERC would be a good refresher on the motorcycle systems and what each one of them does and why....or read Hough's books.

Good answer, Mark. The BRCs and ERCs are a great place to start, like you said. Once you've done those, there's nothing like an open racetrack and some trained teachers to help you understand braking. Like Reg Pridmore said at my first track day 10 years ago, "Your rear brake is your friend. Your front brake is your BEST friend".