One of the most important safety features on a motorcycle are the brakes. Over time, brake pads will wear down and need to be replaced. Most riders will notice a change in braking performance long before the pads need to be completely replaced.
Here are some tips on how to change motorcycle brake pads.
- Park your motorcycle on a level surface and set the parking brake
- Remove the wheels from the motorcycle according to your specific model
- Inspect the brake pads for wear and tear, replacing them if necessary
- Clean any dirt or debris from the caliper assembly with a rag or brush
- Place the new brake pads into the caliper assembly, being careful not to damage them
- Reattach the wheels to the motorcycle and lower it off of its stand or jack
How To Replace Your Motorcycle Disc Brake Pads | The Shop Manual
Is It Easy to Change Motorcycle Brake Pads?
Assuming you are changing the brake pads on a hydraulic disc brake, then no, it is not easy to change motorcycle brake pads. The process requires some knowledge and understanding of how brakes work in order to be able to correctly identify which brake pad goes where. Additionally, depending on the type of bike, the size of the rotor, and other factors, changing motorcycle brake pads can be a difficult task that requires special tools and expertise.
How Do You Put New Brake Pads on a Motorcycle?
If your motorcycle is starting to make a squealing noise every time you brake, it’s probably time to replace the brake pads. You can do this yourself with just a few tools, or you can take it to a mechanic. Here’s how to replace brake pads on a motorcycle:
1. Remove the wheel and caliper. On most motorcycles, the front brakes are located on the right side of the bike and the rear brakes are on the left. To remove the wheel, first loosen the axle nut with a wrench.
Then, use a jack to lift up the bike so you can remove the wheel. To remove the caliper, unscrew the bolts that hold it in place and then pull it off of the rotor (the disc that sits behind the wheel).
2. Take out old brake pads and insert new ones.
Once you have removed the caliper, you will be able to see both sets of brake pads (one for each side of The rotor). Remove The old brake pads by simply pulling them out of their holders in The caliper. To insert The new ones, line them up with The holders and push them in until they snap into place.
3. Reassemble everything and test your brakes! Once you’ve replaced both sets of brake pads, put The caliper back on (screwing in those bolts tight!) and reattach The wheel (again tightening That axle nut!). Lower your motorcycle off of The jack and give your brakes A good test before heading out onto The road again!
How Often Should Motorcycle Brake Pads Be Changed?
It’s important to change your motorcycle brake pads according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. For most motorcycles, that means every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. But it’s not just the mileage that determines when you need new brake pads.
The type of riding you do is also a factor. If you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving, your brakes will wear out faster than if you mostly ride on the highway.
If you’re not sure when your motorcycle brake pads were last changed, it’s a good idea to have them inspected by a mechanic at least once a year.
They can tell you if they need to be replaced and how much life they have left.
Changing your own motorcycle brake pads is relatively easy to do and can save you some money compared to taking it to a mechanic. But if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, leave it to the professionals.
Do I Need to Bleed Brakes When Changing Pads Motorcycle?
When it comes to performing maintenance on your motorcycle, one of the most important things to keep up with is changing your brake pads. Not only will this ensure that your bike continues to stop safely, but it will also help you avoid any costly repairs down the line. One question that often comes up when changing brake pads is whether or not you need to bleed the brakes.
The answer is not a simple one, as there are a few factors that can come into play.
If you are simply replacing your brake pads with new ones of the same size and type, then in most cases you will not need to bleed your brakes. This is because there should be enough fluid already in the system to account for the new pads.
However, if you are making any other changes such as switching to a larger or smaller pad, then bleeding the brakes may be necessary. Additionally, if it has been awhile since you last changed your pads or bled your brakes, air may have made its way into the system which will also require bleeding.
In general, it is always best to err on the side of caution and bleed your brakes whenever changing out the pads.
While it may seem like an extra step, it only takes a few minutes and could potentially save you from a dangerous situation down the road.

Credit: womenridersnow.com
How to Change Motorcycle Front Brake Pads
If you ride a motorcycle, sooner or later you’ll need to change your front brake pads. It’s not a difficult task, but it is one that requires some care and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change motorcycle front brake pads.
1. First, you’ll need to remove the old brake pads. To do this, simply unscrew the two bolts that hold them in place (one on each side). You may need to use a wrench or socket set for this.
2. Next, take a look at the caliper itself and make sure there is no dirt or debris build-up around the area where the new pads will be installed. If necessary, clean it out with a rag or brush.
3. Now it’s time to install the new brake pads.
Simply line them up with the caliper and screw in the bolts (again, one on each side) until they’re snug but not too tight – you don’t want to strip the threads!
Conclusion
Motorcycle brake pads need to be changed regularly to ensure optimal performance and safety while riding. There are a few signs that indicate when it’s time to change your brake pads, including squealing or grinding noises when braking, reduced stopping power, or visible wear on the pads themselves. Changing brake pads is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with just a few tools.