02 softail brake pad change

Hi, Great site and first post here.. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on changing the Brake pads on my 02 Softail. I have changed disc pads on a car and these look simular, any tips? or is a manual the best bet?? thanks..

The manual should be the first tool in your tool box. It's not hard to change the pads and you don't need to remove the calipers to do it.

That sure has a familiar ring to it The 2nd tool to get would be the Parts Catalog. Get the HD Service Manual and Parts Catalog, they're worth every penny.

if it's efi also may want to get a elec, daignosic manaul too:devil:

Bike brakes are somewhat similar to an automobiles disc brakes. Just be sure when you comprass the caliper to remove the pads, be sure to either remove some brake fluid outta the master cylinder or just be careful. Brake fluid removes paint. If you opt to remove some brake fluid, be sure to replace it or you could introduce an air bubble or two to the master cylinder and then your brakes. Also, it is easier to replace the pads when you remove the caliper. Be sure you take note of the location of any springs and clean the sliding bolts. I did this the first time without a manual. Pretty simple to do, but a manual is invaluable. Get one as soon as possible.

Did my 2000 Fatboy followed the manual all went well

Chad02

Is not a big deal to replace. What ya need is the 1/4'' 12 point socket. For the front you compress the caliper first by applying pressure with an screw driver making sure you don't damage the rotor .Then you loosen the 2 1/4" bolts then remove the caliper pull the 2 bolt pins out then remove the pads then reverse the procedure. The rear are a little trickier you have to do it on the bike. Do the same as in the front then pull the pads out when you put the new ones on put the outer first. Insert the 2 pins half way then do the inner and insert the pins all the way. Both calipers have an anti rattle clip in the middle and the pads have to be pushed against them so that you can insert the pins. Is not a hard job since you all ready know how to do disc brakes. I never looked in the manual because is really a nut and bolt job. I've done so many brake jobs in my life time I can just wing it. That's the way I do it and it works fine, I've even thought my bud's how...PS don't worry about the brake fluid. First of all is DOT 5 silicone base it will not damage the paint and second when you compress the caliper the fluid goes back up to it's level, just like a cage..."JAZZ"

Here's the quick, easy method to remove the pads. Slip a stiff gasket scraper between the outer pad and the rotor. Pry the pad away from the rotor to compress the caliper. Slip a common screwdriver between the rotor and pad to keep the piston compressed. Repeat procedure with the inner pad.. With the screwdrivers keeping the pads wedged, remove the brake pad pins. pull out the outer screwdriver which will release the pad. Clean the pins, insert a new outer pad in the caliper and partially insert the pins to hold in the pad. Remove the inner screwdriver and the pad will fall out. Install the new inner pad, align the holes and insert the pins the rest of the way in. Torque down the pins and pump up the brake. It's the only way to do the job in the alloted .2 flat rate we get paid to change pads and once you get the hang of it you'll be able to change pads in 10 minutes without problems.

Brakes

Hey Vybr8er and JazzHog, Thanks alot for the Info. I thought that would be the way to change them, just needed a little reassurance! I got them changed last night with no problem and only took about 15 minutes... Got every penny out of the other pads with no damage to the rotors.. Thanks again!! Ride Safe and Loud..