8.1 - Brake Pad Renewal ( ,  )

Remove roadwheel. Check brake disc (rotor) for adequate thickness and absence of warp, and replace if necessary.

Unbolt the caliper guide pins using a 7mm allen key. The caliper can now be moved to one side and the pads pulled out. Avoid putting any strain on the caliper brake fluid pipe.

Put the caliper approximately back in position and undo the bleed nipple. Attach a piece of rubber pipe looped upward then leading to a jar on the ground, or use a brake bleeding kit. This will prevent air getting into the system. Releasing fluid when pushing the pistons back is significantly easier than pushing the fluid back up through the valve block and avoid risk of damaging or contaminating the sensitive ABS valves.

It is now necessary to push the piston back to be flush with the cylinder, so allowing sufficient space to install the new pads. To not exert force directly onto the piston, but use the old pad instead. Pulling the caliper toward you will push the piston back, as will levering between pad and disc with a stout piece of wood. Do not use metal which would damage the surface of the disc. Tighten the bleed screw and remove the old pad when the piston is pushed back.

Clean the caliper and coat the guide pins, piston head and areas of the caliper in contact with the pads with copper gresase. This will make removal next time that much easier!

Insert the new pads and rebolt the caliper in place.