Parking Brake Adjustment

[Rob Rodriguez]

I have a 2012 RS with the SE5 transmission. A couple times a riding season I have to adjust the parking brake so it applies the brakes strong enough to hold the bike from rolling. The parking brake adjustment is almost at the end of the adjuster. Does this mean its time for new brake pads?

If so, do people just replace the rear pads or both the front an rear pads at the same time?

 

[GearHd]

Can you see how much pad is left? The parking brake should be self adjusting. Every time you actuate the parking brake it screws the caliper piston out.

 

[Chupaca]

Not necessarily...

The cable streches and the brakes wear down but the brakes need to be checked. mine is an RS sm5 and I had to pull the wheels off the shaft and move it back a notch to get the adjustment. Brakes are still good....:thumbup:

 

[JerryB]

Hi Rob,

Re: Does this mean its time for new brake pads?

Take a look at these:

Jerry Baumchen

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

Just a quick look and I can see remaining brake pad left. I'm guessing its about 3/16" thick. The brakes work fine and I've only put a small amount of brake fluid in over the 12,000 miles I've ridden it.

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

Thanks JerryB. Those were helpful. Looks like I've been doing it incorrectly. I've only been adjusting the canle and not the spindle. I'll go back and see what happens when I also do some spindle adjustment.

Thanks guys.

Rob

 

[Michael211_2000]

On a related note guys, concerning the releasing of the parking brake on an RS SE5, is there anything that needs adjusting or lube? I have a devil of a time getting my park brake to release, often having to kick the parking brake pedal down hard before it'll finally let me go! :banghead:

But otherwise, 4 to 5 clicks down and my Spyder is firmly anchored in place. In 16K miles of riding I've only had to snug up the fine adjustment nuts 1 time. Tires wearing well, back tire may be getting a little smooth in the middle, can still see my brake pads so not out of brake yet! :yes:

Would appreciate any ideas about that park brake release though, I've torn up the top of a nice leather boot having to kick it to make it let go. Arghhhh! Those 2 videos told me nothing new.

- Michael

 

[billybovine]

On a related note guys, concerning the releasing of the parking brake on an RS SE5, is there anything that needs adjusting or lube? I have a devil of a time getting my park brake to release, often having to kick the parking brake pedal down hard before it'll finally let me go! :banghead:

But otherwise, 4 to 5 clicks down and my Spyder is firmly anchored in place. In 16K miles of riding I've only had to snug up the fine adjustment nuts 1 time. Tires wearing well, back tire may be getting a little smooth in the middle, can still see my brake pads so not out of brake yet! :yes:

Would appreciate any ideas about that park brake release though, I've torn up the top of a nice leather boot having to kick it to make it let go. Arghhhh! Those 2 videos told me nothing new.

- Michael

You need to clean and lube the Parking Pedal Mechanism. If the pedal won't latch, unlatch or travel all the way up. Clean and lube will likely fix it.

It's been some years since I have done it. So forgive me if I forget something.

Take the lower left rear body panels off to get access to the pedal mechanism.

Stuff some rags behind and under it to keep stuff clean.

Use brake clean or WD40 to wash out the old lube and dirt from the cam. Pay special attention to the slot in the middle of the cam. Do not use compressed air. You risk losing the spring. I remember someone saying they did that.

Lube the cam. I used white lithium grease with good results. BRP says engine oil. Just pick a very light grease or heavy oil. Make sure the cam slot is well lubed. That will fix the latch and unlatch issue. Also lube the top surface of the cam. If not the pedal will not come all the way up and reset. Done that.

Hope that helps.

 

[sypderrobinson134]

I've had my 12 RS since it had a half mile and with over roughly 14K behind me I have only had to adjust the parking brakes once. Though to be fair, when I did adjust it it was insanely loose so i probably waited a little too long to actually do the adjustment.

 

[billybovine]

No need to adjust until the pedal hits the bottom stop.

 

[Michael211_2000]

You need to clean and lube the Parking Pedal Mechanism. If the pedal won't latch, unlatch or travel all the way up. Clean and lube will likely fix it... Take the lower left rear body panels off to get access to the pedal mechanism.
....Hope that helps.

Thanks, sounds like when I do my next oil change (coming up quick) will be a good time to tackle this task since I'll have the left side panels off already then. :yes:

I did lay down on a creeper and took a look at the gear teeth and medallion mechanism. It seems that the medallion doesn't want to kick back and off the teeth when the pedal is pushed all the way down, a slight touch with fingertip and it retracts finally and lets the park brake pedal return to the top. I couldn't see any sign of oil or other lube on any of that mechanism... but I'll look closer when I have the body panels off during oil and filter change. Think some silicone spray lube might be best bet.

- Michael

 

[billybovine]

Thanks, sounds like when I do my next oil change (coming up quick) will be a good time to tackle this task since I'll have the left side panels off already then. :yes:

I did lay down on a creeper and took a look at the gear teeth and medallion mechanism. It seems that the medallion doesn't want to kick back and off the teeth when the pedal is pushed all the way down, a slight touch with fingertip and it retracts finally and lets the park brake pedal return to the top. I couldn't see any sign of oil or other lube on any of that mechanism... but I'll look closer when I have the body panels off during oil and filter change. Think some silicone spray lube might be best bet.

- Michael

Some lube will fix that. Let us know how the silicone spray works out. I had considered that but wondered how long it would last.

 

[Koop]

Hi Rob,

Re: Does this mean its time for new brake pads?

Take a look at these:

Jerry Baumchen

I used the method shown in the first video. My parking brake works perfectly now! It was hard to set before - it would allow wheel slippage and it was hard to release. Now it sets with a few clicks and holds and release is easy. Thanks Jerry.

 

[vampyregirl]

Just developed this problem this morning. Had to drive the car to work!! Going to try the adjustment either later or tomorrow (it's hot and humid right now and asthma is NOT my friend). Hopefully that does the trick!!!