How To Check Motorcycle Brake Pads

Maintaining the safety and efficiency of your motorcycle is essential for a smooth & secure ride, and one important component that requires a regular check-up is the brake pads because they help you slow down or stop whenever a person, vehicle, or other stuff comes at you. Without 100% functioning brake pads, you will never be able to stop in time and get bumped into something that may even threaten your or your family’s life.

Therefore, checking your motorcycle’s brake pads is a simple yet critical task that impacts your life. And if you are looking for a guide to checking your brake pads, keep reading this article.

➔  Checklist 

1) What are a motorcycle’s brake pads?

2) Why do You need to check for brake pads?

3) How do you check for brake pads?

4) How often do brake pads have to be changed?

5) Conclusion

1) What are a motorcycle’s brake pads?

“Brake pads are friction-based components that slow down or stop the bike when needed.”

When you apply the brake handle lever, the hydraulic fluid causes the piston to apply force on the brake pads, making them pressed against tire brake discs, which will cause a lot of friction ( grip ) between them that will ultimately stop the tires.

In this process, the kinetic energy, which is the moving momentum of your bike, is converted into heat energy due to the rubbing ( friction ) between the brake pads & discs. You can see a lot of heat is forged, so choosing a premium brake pad that can withstand high temperatures for hundreds of daily braking is necessary.

2) Why do You need to check for brake pads?

As you know, the brake pads rub against brake discs every time you apply brakes, which wears them down every time. You can think of it as rubbing your hands on stones, and as a result, not only will your skin be torn out, but also a huge amount of heat will be generated (which makes wearing much faster ).

So, due to their constant wearing, it’s very necessary to check their condition because riding with worn pads raises many concerns, such as;

i) Safety

ii) Longevity

iii) Cost-Efficiency

iv) Consistent Performance

i) Safety: Worn-out or damaged brake pads can compromise your bike’s braking efficiency, leading to longer stopping distances and potential accidents. Therefore, regular inspection can save you and your bike from accidents.

ii) Longevity: Brake pads produce a lot of brake dust (rubbed-out material from brake pads ), which can lower the braking power and damage the brake disc. Moreover, if brake pads are cracked at high speed, the chipped parts between pads & discs can generate a lot of harm and may even fully ruin the disc and calipers. So, regularly checking brake pads is necessary to avoid damage to multiple parts and increase their lifespan.

iii) Cost-Efficiency: Regularly checking your brake pads lets you catch any early issues like uneven wear or thinning pads, and then you can prevent more extensive damage to the braking system and save you from costly repairs.

iv) Consistent Performance: Well-maintained brake pads ensure consistent braking performance. You’ll better understand when to expect your motorcycle to slow down or stop, enhancing your overall riding experience and safety.

3) How do you check for brake pads in 6 easy steps?

Checking your motorcycle’s brake pads is a straightforward process that can help ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your bike’s braking system. Here’s how you can perform a brake pad inspection;

Step no 1) Park the Motorbike

Step no 2) Access the Brake Pads

Step no 3)  Inspect the Brake Pads

Step no 4)  Inspect the Rotor

Step no 5) Repeat for the other wheel.

Step no 6)  Reassemble

Step no 1) Park the Motorbike

Park your motorcycle on a level surface in a well-lit area. Ensure the engine is turned off and the bike is in neutral.

Step no 2) Access the Brake Pads

Depending on your motorcycle’s design, you may need to remove the front wheel or access the brake caliper to inspect the brake pads. Consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on accessing the brake pads.

Step no 3) Inspect the Brake Pads

Once you have access, visually inspect these aspects of the brake pads through the openings in the caliper;

• Look for the thickness of the brake pad material; the new pads are around 8 ~ 12mm thick, but as they get older, their thickness decreases. So, if they appear thinner than 3 mm, they are at the end of their life cycle. Some brake pads have built-in wear indicators, usually a groove or notch on the pad. If the wear indicator is close to the surface or no longer visible, it’s time to replace the brake pads.

• Check for Uneven Wear: Examine the brake pads on both rotor sides. The wear should be even across the surface of the pad. If you notice uneven wear or tapering, it could be a sign of a caliper alignment issue that needs addressing.

Step no 4) Inspect the Rotor

While you’re inspecting the brake pads, take a moment to check the brake disc’s condition. Look for grooves, scoring, or unevenness on the rotor’s surface. Severely worn or damaged rotors may require attention as well. 

Step no 5) Repeat for the other wheel

If your motorcycle has dual front or rear disc brakes, repeat the same inspection process for the other wheel.

Step no 6) Reassemble

If everything looks good and the brake pads are within acceptable thickness, carefully reassemble any components you may have removed.

4) How often do brake pads have to be changed?

Several factors influence the frequency at which you should replace your motorcycle’s brake pads – These factors include;

a) In terms of mileage, a general rule of thumb is that brake pads require replacement after every 15,000 to 25,000 miles (approximately 24,000 to 40,000 kilometers) of riding. 

b) The riding you engage in has a significant impact. For instance, if you’re inclined towards aggressive riding characterized by frequent hard braking, your brake pads will likely wear down more rapidly.

c) Similarly, the environment you navigate, such as city streets versus highways, and the terrain you encounter, like hilly areas or flat roads, can influence the wear rate.

d) The material of the brake pads themselves is another crucial determinant. Different pad materials have varying lifespans. Organic brake pads, for example, are softer and tend to wear out faster. Conversely, semi-metallic and ceramic pads boast harder compositions that contribute to their increased durability and longer lifespan. 

e) Moreover, keep an attentive ear out for any unusual noises like squeaking or squealing, along with monitoring changes in braking efficiency or a longer braking distance. These can be valuable warning signs that your brake pads are due for replacement

➔  Conclusion

Brake pads are essential components, ensuring a safe and secure ride. By exercising vigilance and conducting regular check-ups, you’re enhancing your riding experience and preserving your bike’s integrity.