Brake Failure Code due to worn rear pads

[ulflyer]

Stopped to get gas yesterday and it threw the "Brake Failure" code. After the flashing lights went off and my BP slowed , I checked the brake fluid which was full, and headed on home. Parking brake light stayed on. Up to dealer this morning and they took it right in, checked the pads: front ok, rear pretty thin they said, and installed the new pads i had just got from BajaRon and reset the computer. Didn't take long, and $48 later I'm on the way home. I immediately noticed more positive braking with the new EBC pads. They gave the new pads from Ron a thumbs up BTW.

For inquiring minds, it just turned 20,000 miles.

[docdoru]

EBC from Ron: running all 3 discs and pads on the RS SM5= the best! :thumbup:

[can-am sam]

Sounds like you have a great dealer. Good to hear the problem was fixed fast.

[ulflyer]

I'm seriously thinking about changing the front pads anyway.
I've always felt that the breaking was a little underpar and I now suspect the EBC's on the front would suit me better simply based on how much better the new rear ones felt.

[Bob Denman]

Question: If you change the pads; should the disc get "cleaned up" at the same time?
Or isn't there any extra thickness there to play with?

[NancysToy]

Question: If you change the pads; should the disc get "cleaned up" at the same time?
Or isn't there any extra thickness there to play with?

There isn't much. If you need that, due to disc scoring or warping, I recommend replacement instead.

[alajeu]

I found this thread by accident and hope it is still being monitored by those in the know. I bought a RT SE5 in July and have 2800 miles ± on it as I write. For 2 weeks I have been getting "Brake Failure" messages when I start the bike, hit the brake hard, when going down a hill or sometimes just sitting at a stop sign. Also I get the parking brake blinking light even after I de-activiate it.

The braking action, however, is just as good or bad as usual. I never have been impressed by the stopping power. I also now see brake dust on the front wheels.

I have checked the fluid reservoirs and they seem to be full to the brim with fluid. You can't really see the side if the reservoir to judge the level.

I called the dealer who said it may be a sensor problem. But what about the brake dust? Are stock pads that inferior?

[Spyder777]

Same thing just happened to me. Went to dealer. It was the fluid. He showed me the difference between to low and just right is about a spits worth of Dot 4 brake fluid. Problem fixed.

[ulflyer]

alajeu: all brakes make some amount of dust. Look at your car wheels, especially the front where about 60% or more of braking occurrs.

[alajeu]

alajeu: all brakes make some amount of dust. Look at your car wheels, especially the front where about 60% or more of braking occurrs.

Reply:

Not all brakes make dust. I just changed the pads on my 4 runner after over 100,000 miles on the original set with no brake dust ever seen. Now I do have brake dust because I foolishly bought an inferior brand to save a few buck.

[alajeu]

Same thing just happened to me. Went to dealer. It was the fluid. He showed me the difference between to low and just right is about a spits worth of Dot 4 brake fluid. Problem fixed.

Reply:

OK, I will try adding some and hope it doesn't overflow.