Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Rear Brake

This may be a stupid question. I heard a very mild squeak coming from the rear brake. How do I know when I need new pads? how about a rotor? I know nothing about brakes.

the stock rear pads will go away fast. How many miles on yours? Mine were toast at less than 6K.

The sintered pads that replaced them are wearing much much better.

According to the shop manual, minimum brake pad thickness is 1.5mm. I find it easier to remove the caliper and lift it out for inspection, but you might be able to eyeball it with a flashlight. Measuring the thickness of the rotor with a micrometer, the minimum is 5.0mm and the standard thickness is 6.00mm. If you suspect the rotor is warped, use a dial indicator and measure runout. It should be no more than .30mm.

If you don't have any pulsating when the brakes are applied, I wouldn't worry about runout. If you haven't gone through at least 3 or more sets of brake pads, I wouldn't worry about the rotor thickness. But you can measure everything for peace of mind.

If you're going to change the pads, I'd recommend a shop manual, either Triumph or Haynes. They really are easy to change. If your pads aren't worn, get some brake grease to try and fix the squeak. I apply grease to the retaining pins, outside piston walls, and the back of the pads when I put in new ones. Use a very small amount, a little bit goes a long ways, and smear it around with your fingers. You can get small packets of brake grease at your local auto parts for about a dollar or so.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the help!

Wow! 6K isn't much, I better check mine especially since that Kawa salsman told me cruisers mainly used their rear brakes.

depends what u using I think my rear is about 10000 now two sets of front just gone but rear still there

using rear break sometimes as support to finish stoping

After wearing out my first set of rear pads at 5,000 mi, I use my rear brake alot less.

I think more than anything the stock pads are just ca ca. I used my brakes normally (combined front and rear) as you are supposed to.

The second set have way more miles than the first and are holding up well.

Considering the price of brake pads and hassle of changing them, I could buy some cheap Harley boots and start dragging my feet more. That was accepted practice on the old Cushman motor sccoters which only had back brakes.

If they look like this, they're shot...



4535 miles.

I just replaced the stock pads with HH pads all around and the difference is amazing. Fast Eddy has a great deal at $95 for all 3 sets.