Replacing Brake Pad Questions

[SpyderAnn01]

I just had 12,000 mile service done and dealer said that my brake pads need replacing. We bought pads for front and rear and plan to do the install ourselves. I saw a thread about 3rd generation Brake Pads and when I looked at the parts that the dealer sold me I have 2nd gen fronts and 3rd gen rear. Would you install the 2nd gen fronts or insist on 3rd gen?

Also, how much plastic has to come off to remove the rear wheel? I plan on putting on new tires at the same time. I bought the service manual but my eyes cross when I try to read more than a few pages. It looks like the whole rear assembly has to come off

If any of you have replaced brake pads and have any tips I sure would appreciate hearing them.

[fastfraser]

[SpyderAnn01]

With all the squeaking brakes I would have thought that someone else has changed the pads.

[ameobe]

With all the squeaking brakes I would have thought that someone else has changed the pads.

This Thread may help.

[SpyderAnn01]

Thanks that does help but I'm still wondering if the entire rear trunk has to come off.

[Dudley]

Unless you are a heavy braker and do a lot of city riding I would question needing brakes at 12,000. On my first Spyder I changed the rear brakes at 30,000 and never changed the front ones.

[Hobstopper]

To answer your question directly, no. I replaced the rear tire myself, bought a Kumho for little over $80, per directions in other thread I removed the brake assy, loosened axle nut, jacked up Spyder, did not undo the bottom bolt on shock, loosened tire enough to remove belt, removed axle from left side, removed wheel, removed hub (just pull it off), took tire to Walmart and they changed the old tire with new one ($6) and I reassembled, tensioned belt, tightened axle nut to 96 ft lbs, done.
Next time I will do the shock bolt, but wanted to redo tension and belt alignment anyway on this turn. Had to jack up the rear pretty high to get the wheel out from under the rear flap, but nothing to dramatic.
More experienced Spyder Ryders will give or expand on this info I am sure.

[SteveMac]

With all the squeaking brakes I would have thought that someone else has changed the pads.

Sorry, I did have my squeakers changed, but the dealer did it under warranty, so I can't offer input on what is involved.

I am sure you will get input before long with the experts we have on this forum though. Be patient!

[SpyderAnn01]

Unless you are a heavy braker and do a lot of city riding I would question needing brakes at 12,000. On my first Spyder I changed the rear brakes at 30,000 and never changed the front ones.

I don't think I'm a heavy braker but women do tend to wear out brakes faster than men or so I'm told. They do squeal like crazy and they said the rear had 20% remaining and the fronts 30%.

To answer your question directly, no. I replaced the rear tire myself, bought a Kumho for little over $80, per directions in other thread I removed the brake assy, loosened axle nut, jacked up Spyder, did not undo the bottom bolt on shock, loosened tire enough to remove belt, removed axle from left side, removed wheel, removed hub (just pull it off), took tire to Walmart and they changed the old tire with new one ($6) and I reassembled, tensioned belt, tightened axle nut to 96 ft lbs, done.
Next time I will do the shock bolt, but wanted to redo tension and belt alignment anyway on this turn. Had to jack up the rear pretty high to get the wheel out from under the rear flap, but nothing to dramatic.
More experienced Spyder Ryders will give or expand on this info I am sure.

Thanks will give it a try.

[M2Wild]

I don't think I'm a heavy braker but women do tend to wear out brakes faster than men or so I'm told. They do squeal like crazy and they said the rear had 20% remaining and the fronts 30%.

RT is heavier and if ryding two up often, that will wear down the pad quicker as well. Compound that if its two up on RT.

[Bob Denman]

I need to change out my rear pads... I haven't gotten past the "Oh crap!" portion of the job yet though...
Can the caliper be dropped and the pads out back be replaced without calling in the Marines??? It looks pretty tight and there's a big round whatchmacallit bolted to the whole shootin' match that looks scary...