Front brake caliper / brake pads

[bensfatboy]

2012 Fatboy. 

This is the first time that I personally will be R&R the front brake pads on my bike.  I have watched how to videos on several different Harley bikes, and it appears to be a simple job.

From what I have read and observed, a lot of the brake pads when purchased come with a replacement pad pin, retainer clip, and paste along with the mask for the back of the pads where the caliper pistons meet up with the pad backing plate.

The OE replacement pads for my bike is Part# 46363-11, ($57.00) and is pads only.  My service manual does not mention anything about using the paste or anything else other than to inspect the pad pin and replace if worn or out of tolerance.  Also it doesn't mention anything about any kind of cleaning needing to be done to the caliper or pistons prior to installing the new pads inside the caliper.

Do I just follow the service manual instructions which is basically plug and play, or is there more instructions that should be stated that they neglected to put in the manual?  I have found the service manual to be pretty vague at times.

Any pointers, help tips and guidance from you guys will be appreciated.

[koko3052]

While you have it apart clean, inspect & replace as necessary.

[smoserx1]

IMO in most cases replacing brake hardware is not necessary unless the old stuff is damaged or corroded.  The paste to be applied to the back side of pads is to damp high frequency vibrations that can cause noise.  I have only found it included  in a pad set once and that was for a car.  I wouldn't use it unless I had a noise issue and if you do put it on paper thin.  Seems to me it could lead to brake "sponginess" if applied too thick.  As far as the pad pins, if you are talking about guide pins IMO these do not wear much either.  They should be greased during assembly but again use the grease very sparingly and make sure it is brake caliper grease.  You don't want any grease contaminating your pads or disk.

[Hossamania]

I clean the pins real well, then apply a very light coating of grease, and then basically wipe the grease off with my fingers to get it as minimal as possible. I might even use a rag so it is a light residue on the pin.
Give the rotor a good look over, and maybe spray it down with some brake cleaner.
Try not to touch the pads with your fingers. If you do, spray them down as well before install. I will even wear clean latex style gloves to prevent oils from getting on the pad.

[calif phil]

You can get quality aftermarket pads for about half that price.   EBC and others makes good pads. 

[Ohio HD]

You can get quality aftermarket pads for about half that price.   EBC and others makes good pads.

         Many aftermarket pads are better than OEM, and less expensive.

[smoserx1]

You can get quality aftermarket pads for about half that price.   EBC and others makes good pads. 

I'm using organic EBC pads.  Love 'em.

[04rkryder]

"Also it doesn't mention anything about any kind of cleaning needing to be done to the caliper or pistons prior to installing the new pads inside the caliper."

With the old pads removed, place one of the old pads between the pistons and apply brake forcing the pistons outward. Clean pistons with brake cleaner(shoe string spayed with brake cleaner works well) removing any built up crap from pistons. Once clean, use the old pad to force pistons all the way back in. May need to remove or loosen master cylinder cover to reduce pressure in lines if having problem getting piston to retract, be careful not to get brake fluid on paint if using DOT 3,4,5.1 as it will eat paint.

[Ironpig9]

I agree with others on buying aftermarket pads. I run EBC on both of my bikes and have had good service out of them. After pads are replaced you should have good lever height (i.e. the lever moves just a little before brakes take hold). Also, this is a good time to inspect your brake fluid level in master cyl. and whether it needs to be changed. If using Dot 5 it will change color when it is worn out. If your lever still has major movement after replacing the pads then you're looking at sticking brake pistons in the calipers. You can fix this by either cleaning them or rebuilding the calipers. It takes a while but is surprisingly simple. As stated earlier - DO NOT let brake fluid touch painted surfaces. Alcohol will clean up brake fluid if you do happen to get a splatter on you fender or such. Good luck. You can do it. Just take your time and keep it clean.