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Brake pads are a critical component with high usage intensity, making them prone to corrosion. Prolonged use without replacement can affect the disc brake system on motorcycles. Therefore, motorcyclists need to replace them regularly to maintain quality.
Here are the essential details to consider when installing new brake pads for motorcycles.
1. Identifying the Right Time to Replace Brake Pads
It's easy to recognize when brake pads need replacing, particularly when you notice signs like brakes failing to engage properly. If you squeeze the brakes and the bike continues to move forward with light throttle, it's time for a replacement. Delaying could lead to the bike wearing into the brake disc. In such cases, replacing the brake disc would be significantly more expensive than replacing the pads. When replacing, ensure to use high-quality brake pads to avoid counterfeits.
Distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit brake pads: Genuine brake pads have a uniform color on the surface, with sharp engravings or cuts and remain flat when placed together. On the other hand, counterfeit brake pads often contain copper for added rigidity (though detrimental to the brake disc in the long run), resulting in a shiny surface, blurry markings, or lack of brand insignia. When pressed, they may warp.
2. Best Practices for Installing Brake Pads on Motorcycles
According to motorcycle repair experts, selecting brake pads should consider the operating speed of each motorcycle type. Never use old pads with new discs, as this quickly damages the disc, incurring significant replacement costs.
Various types of motorcycle brake pads are available in the market. Refer to the Types of Motorcycle Brake Pads
However, the most prevalent types in the Vietnamese market are organic brake pads and sintered brake pads.
+) Organic brake pads are made from natural materials such as rubber, Kevlar (aromatic polyamide fibers), or other organic compounds. They are bonded together and possess heat resistance. Their advantages include eco-friendliness, ease of machining, smooth operation, but they are prone to wear and have a relatively short lifespan.
+) Sintered brake pads endure wear and high temperatures due to their primary composition of metal particles (such as copper or some alloy resistant to wear and high temperatures). Additionally, some types are supplemented with other organic particles, forming new compounds and undergo double sintering. Sintered brake pads offer strong braking force, high durability with good wear resistance. However, they may produce loud squealing noises during braking, causing discomfort to users.
All types of brake pads have an optimal operating temperature. Exceeding this limit gradually deteriorates the working surface. Excessive heat transferred to the cylinder can cause oil boiling, rubber seal melting, leading to brake failure. To meet continuous, high-intensity working conditions, racing bike brake systems are often designed with special cooling mechanisms. Depending on the bike model and advancements, it's advisable to switch to newer types for better performance.
3. Testing New Brake Pads – Brake Bedding
Brake bedding involves riding the bike at slow speeds, applying light brake pressure, creating friction between the brake pads and discs over a range of distances, typically spanning from a few meters to several dozen meters after installing new brake pads. Brake bedding immediately after installing new brake pads is essential as it determines whether the new pads are compatible and functioning properly with the bike. Specifically:
– If both the pads and discs are new, this process helps generate the correct heat transfer during braking. It also transfers a thin layer of material from the pads to the discs, enhancing adhesion between the two surfaces.
– In the case of new pads and old discs, brake bedding is the stage where the pads adapt to the disc surface, so gentle braking within the first 100 kilometers is recommended to increase pad lifespan. Never use old pads with new discs, as scratches on the pads can damage the disc surface.
Here are some important reminders when replacing motorcycle brake pads. We hope you've gained experience with brake pads and increased safety while riding motorcycles.
