HarleyTechTalk

I'm installing a new caliper and pads on the rear of my sons bike. This is the first time in many years I've worked with this brake setup. I notice that when I slide the pads over the sliders it is a tight fit. Tight enough anyway that I worry about the pads dragging excessively. Is this normally such a tight fit? Should the mounting ears on the pads be dressed slightly for a looser fit or is this fine?

I have come across this before and I always dress the pad ears with a file some of the older caliper mounts used a different abutment shim that was updated and i like to have the pads slip fit not a press fit

And that's pretty much what I was thinking. They should be able to slide.

Funny you ask, because I just noticed the very same thing on my bike two days ago.  The old pads were not that easy to remove and I was wondering if the pads were unusual.  The pads I took off are EBC FA201.  What pads are you using?  Mine have been on for quite a while, no excessive noice from dragging.

Wish I could tell you the brand. I bought them quite a while ago and had them sitting in a box along with the sliders that came with 'em. How tight of a fit were your new pads. Or have you even put them on yet?

Swung by CycleGear this evening but they didn't have any pads that fit so I haven't put any on yet so I don't know how tight of a fit new ones are.

A tight fit is normal.

Be sure to use molly 44 or silicon brake lube on the pins. 

JB

I would have thought they should be loose enough to move easily but tight enough to not have any sideways play. Well at least ow I know that it's not screwed up or anything.