Changing front brakes 695

[ikillterrorists]

Is it easy to change them yourself? How long does it take?

I got a quote from one garage, he said he'll do it for $75, everything included, as well as flushing the fluids. Then I called a guy who specializes in Ducati's, and he said he'll do it for like $170. Why the big difference?

[Howie]

Probably hourly labor rate. 

[BK_856er]

Changing pads and bleeding brakes is not terribly difficult and requires no special tools.  If you successfully change your oil/filter you can handle this.  Review some procedures, probably found in the tutorial section and/or elsewhere.  Note that your 695 uses a "floating" caliper design, unlike most other ducatis.  Good time to also contemplate changing to a new pad material if you want more bite or braking power (shameful plug for some 695 pads I have up for sale!).

Brakes are important to your safety, so proceed with appropriate care and attention if you choose to tackle it yourself.

BK

[Speeddog]

Is it easy to change them yourself? How long does it take?

~~~SNIP~~~

How much mechanical experience do you have?

Do you have all the tools necessary to do the job?

[subin]

Changing the pads and fluch the brake system does not need a Duc specialist to do it.
Any competent mechanic could do it.

[ikillterrorists]

Thanks all.
I am pretty  mechanically inclined. I'm just worried about which brake pads to buy as well as how to properly adjust them.

[ikillterrorists]

Any specific type of fluid I should get?

[Slide Panda]

Good quality DOT4 spec.

I like 'super blue' for the street. High boil temp and reasonable cost.

Just for clarity you're talking about new pads only right? Not new brake assemblies (caliper pad etc etc)

If it's just the pads, you'll need a small drift/punch and hammer (probably), needle nose pliers, and perhaps a pick and magnet. This depends on the caliper set up of course. On my 900, w/ 999 front brakes I can have the pads out of the front calipers with no tools. The rear caliper needs the pliers to pull off the pad pin retaining clip and then a little coaxing from the drift to get the pin out.

[ikillterrorists]

Yeah I think just new pads...
I found this to be very helpful:
http://www.ducatisuite.com/brakepads.html

So if I go to any random bike store, will they know what kind of pads and fluid I need?

[Slide Panda]

DOT 4 is super common. You can get it at any auto/moto store. But their are a range of quality, usually reflected in the boiling temps of the fluid. Higher = better.

Also with pads, there's lots of different compounds - so you'll want to research what you need/want. The pads will be marked with the manufacturer and compound, so you can get that info if you're just looking to do a direct replace.

[Raux]

look at California Cycleworks for pad differences. plus they are a sponsor

[BK_856er]

There is no adjustment to be made.  It's a self-adjusting hydraulic system like any other disc brake system.

You will need to pull in the caliper a bit to retract the pistons and fit the new (thicker) pads.

I'll remind you again that the 695 uses a floating caiper design.  There are only a few options for pads.

You should not need to remove the caliper to change the pads, but removing the caliper is super easy and gives better access for cleaning, inspection, etc.  If you choose to remove the caliper you will need a torque wrench to properly tighten the two bolts that hold the carrier onto the fork leg.

I removed the pads from my 695 calipers a moment ago to refresh my memory.  Took all of 15 seconds off the bike.

Fluid flush technique is common to all motorcycles.  Don't spill/splash/drip any on your paintwork.  I put a towel over the tank just in case.

BK

[Howie]

Any name brand DOT4 or 5.1 is fine, do not use DOT 5 since that is silicone fluid.  Do make sure to pump the lever up before taking off!  Pad selection for your Monster is somewhat subjective.  Below is a chart from Ca Cyclework

http://ca-cycleworks.com/products/brakes/brake-pads

[take risks]

Make sure to pump the lever up before taking off! 

^+1 This.

I buy EBC pads for my 695. SKU:FA181HH. You will need 2 pair to do the front.
If you can tie your shoes, you can change the pads and fluid.

Good luck.

[Roaduser]

and by "before taking off" these guys mean before , pumping the lever before taking the brakes off wouldnt exactly help, itd prob make things a little harder