Brakes are one of the most important safety features on your motorcycle, working alongside the motorcycle clutch to keep the bike stable and under control by slowing you down or bringing you to a stop. Over time, pads wear down, and if not replaced, the braking system won’t work effectively.

To keep you safe on the road, you’ll need to change your motorcycle brake pads at the right time. This guide covers the replacement process, the tools required, and common mistakes to avoid.

Tools and Products Needed to Change Motorcycle Brake Pads

Before replacing your motorcycle brake pads, it’s best to gather the essentials. That includes basics like cleaning rags, brushes, protective gear, and your bike’s owner’s manual for reference. Having a motorcycle stand will also make the job much safer.

• A set of socket wrenches in both metric and standard sizes.

• Brake cleaner to clear away dust and grease.

• Motorcycle-specific brake grease for lubrication.

• A reliable torque wrench to tighten bolts correctly.

• A brake piston spreader to fit the new pads easily.

• A set of new brake pads ready to install.

With these tools to hand, you’ll be ready to move on to the step-by-step process of changing your brake pads.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Motorcycle Brake Pads

Follow these steps to remove and replace your motorcycle brake pads.

1. Secure your motorcycle

Before working on your motorcycle, make sure the engine is completely switched off. Place the motorcycle on your stand and secure it in place. If needed, consider lubricating the fasteners that secure the brake calliper for easier removal. Be careful not to lubricate the brakes themselves. Some motorcycles will require you to remove the front or back wheels before removing the brake pads. Check your owner's manual to see if this is the case.

2. Remove the calliper

Use a wrench to undo the bolts holding the calliper in place, taking care not to strain the brake line. Once the bolts are out, slide the calliper off carefully and keep track of any parts you’ll need to refit later. Some bikes allow pad changes without removing the calliper, but taking it off usually gives you much better access to the braking system.

3. Remove the old brake pads

Examine the old brake pads for any evidence of faults such as oil leaks or excessive wear and tear. Make note of the position of the current pads to ensure you align the new pads the same way. Unfasten any pins or clamps holding the old pads in place so that you can remove them easily.

4. Clean the braking system

If no faults are found, clean the calliper both inside and out using brake cleaner. Do the same for the brake rotor. For a deeper clean, use soapy water to remove excess gunk before applying the cleaner. Apply brake grease to lubricate any contact points where friction might occur.

5. Attach the new brake pads

Your new pads will usually be thicker than the old ones, so use a brake spreader to push the pistons back into the calliper. Put a little brake grease on the back of each pad and the contact points, then slot the pads in where the old ones were.

Once that’s done, refit any pins or clamps and reinstall the calliper. Tighten the bolts with a torque wrench. If you removed the wheel, put it back on. Before riding, pump the brake lever a few times to make sure the pads are seated properly.

Common Mistakes When Changing Motorcycle Brake Pads

While changing brake pads when they wear down is important for the safety of your motorcycle, there are some potential hazards to look out for during the process.

Not cleaning the braking system

By the time you need to change your pads, your braking system will have accumulated a coating of dust and grime. Ignoring this can compromise your braking system and cause your pads to wear out a lot sooner. Therefore, make sure to clean your braking system thoroughly whenever a buildup of dirt becomes too great.

Not checking brake fluid levels

Along with replacing the brake pads, check your brake fluid as well. If the level is too low, the brakes won’t work properly. Top it up or replace it if needed, and always use the type of fluid and fill level recommended in your owner’s manual.

Not breaking the pads in

Avoid heading out on a long, fast ride immediately after fitting new brake pads. If you notice squealing or dragging, it often means the pads aren’t seated correctly. Always pump the brake lever a few times to check the response, then ride gently at lower speeds for about 200 km (124 miles) to let the pads bed in.

Leaving bolts too loose or too tight

When reassembling the braking system, avoid overtightening the bolts, as this can throw parts out of alignment or cause damage. Leaving them too loose is just as risky, since components could work themselves free. Check your owner’s manual for the correct torque settings, and use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts accurately.

With time and experience, changing the brake pads on your motorcycle will become much easier. Always check your brakes regularly and replace them when needed. See our motorcycle brake pad guide for more details. You can also review our motorcycle oil change guide to keep your maintenance routine complete.