Brake pads

[factorPlayer]

when is it time to change these?  My S2R has about 6100 miles now, and I can hear some squealing (not loud, but there) from the front brakes sometimes when coming to a stop.  so just wondering.

[ducpainter]

when is it time to change these?  My S2R has about 6100 miles now, and I can hear some squealing (not loud, but there) from the front brakes sometimes when coming to a stop.  so just wondering.

I doubt they're worn enough to warrant replacing at that mileage.

The squeal can be eliminated by cleaning the rotors and de-glazing the pads.

[ScottRNelson]

Front brake pads tend to last "forever" on the Ducatis that I've owned, and I use them when I ride (e.g., very little freeway riding).  I replaced the front pads on my ST2 at 30,000 miles because one of the four had worn abnormally due to a misalignment of something in the front end.  The other three Ducatis that I've owned all had the original front pads.

I tend to need new rear pads about every 10,000 miles or so.  I don't use the rear brake very much, but for some reason they wear much more quickly.  I suppose it helps that the rear pads have only one fourth the surface area of the front pads, so they should wear four times quicker if used equally.

I normally only check brake pads when I get new tires, so fronts get checked at least every 6000 miles and rears at least every 4000.

[monstah]

I have the same issue but it's my back brake and I have about  9500 miles on it. I tend to use more of the back brake, I hear a squeaking noise when I come to a stop and when I roll my bike.. With both the brakes I can stop it pretty well but just not sure if its time to change the pads 

[Slide Panda]

In many cases the OEM pads will have a groove cut in teh face.  That groove is a wear indicator - if the groove was there and now the surface of the pad is smooth, then it's time for new pads.

My bike was used when I got it, so I'm not sure how many miles are on the front pads in total.  But I've put 7k on them and there's still plenty of life in them.

[scott_araujo]

To check your pads just take a look, you should be able to see them through the opening in the caliper.  The pad will have a metal backing plate about 3-4mm thich and then the friction material sitting right next to the rotor.  The friction material will be just a bit smaller than the backing plate.  Check both sides on each caliper.  If the thickness of any frction material is down to the 2-3mm range you should start looking for replacements.  If any pad on a wheel is worn lots more than its neighbors you should look to see if there's some binding.  In general they should wear fairly evenly when compared with each other.

To get ird of squeal: remove the pads and deglaze the, just rub them back and forth on fine sandpaper on a flat surface.  A plate of glass plates is nice and flat and cheap at the hardware store.  Scrub the rotors hard with a 3m Scotchbrite pad and brake cleaner.  Keep the cleaner off any painted surfaces.  Also, clean the "buttons" that hold the rotor (outer ring) to the carrier (star in the middle).

Good luck!
Scott

[Hank025]

I know I am resurrecting an old thread here, but the info is relevant.

What # grit sandpaper should I use to deglaze my brake pads?

Also, if I am going to take the brakes off and clean the rotors, what are you're thoughts on upgrading the system/pads? (2007 S2R 1000) Should I just go ahead and get pads (recommendations?). I can't really afford new rotors at this time.


-Hank

[Cloner]

I generally use something in the 200 grit range to deglaze pads.  I like the adhesive backed stuff so I can stick it to a thick piece of glass to keep the surface true.  (I use the same piece of glass and finer paper to remove material from valve shims, for what that's worth)

I have an affinity for EBC HH pads.  They're inexpensive, have a good initial bite, and are fairly linear.  Make sure your bike doesn't have cast iron rotors if you use these, or other sintered metal pads, as they tend to eat cast iron rotors.  (The stockers on your bike are stainless steel, I believe, so it shoudn't be an issue unless someone has changed them in the past)

Note that you'll need two sets of pads to do your front brakes, as they're always sold in single rotor sets.

[scott_araujo]

Anything from 120 to 220 grit should be fine for deglazing brake pads.  The self adhesive stuff is very nice but the standard $1 a sheet stuff from your local harware store works just fine.

Scott

[Hank025]

Thank you for the info.

I am going to hit the pads with 220 paper ( i like the glass idea) and clean the rotors with Brakleen break parts cleaner. Hopefully this will stop the squealing Ive been getting at low speed stops (oads and rotors only have 3400 miles)

I will report back after I clean them up. Anybody else have any ideas/solutions about stopping the squeaking at low speeds?

[Ddan]

http://www.braketech.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54:racing-brake-pad--bed-in-procedures&catid=17:tech-talk&Itemid=69