brake pads

[Gonzalo]

From the last pad swap I learnt 2 things:

- Compounds: there are organic and syntherized pads, the former don´t harm the disk, the latter brake better, but can take a short while to start breaking properly in the wet. I fitted the EBC organic ones in the front, and they didn´t break as well. Now I am back to sintherized, but haven´t tried them yet. This is for road bikes, so perhaps doesn´t apply to enduro´s.

- I didn´t clean properly the caliper and didn´t add some copper grease in the pistons, so they didn´t get back to the "not braking" position with ease. It caused the inner pad to be touching the disk at all times, so the pad get worn too early. Also, I failed the MOT due to that . I decided to pay for a complete caliper overhaul and new pads, to be on the safe side.

[Beerbelly]

Watch out Kyoto have bought goldfren so don get either as hey will be pap!
C

[Stewie]

Without wanting to teach peeps to suck egg.... but remember its a legal requirement that any work done on brakes has to be completed by a Competent Person ( I think that's the wording ).

Couple of key things

Correct pads.
You should be able to push the piston in with your thumb.
Brake fluid goes off.
The caliper should be able to Float with ease.
Make sure the take up gap is correct. ( if one or both pads a slightly rubbing the disc, this will transfer heat into the caliper and the brake fluid. which in turn pushes the pads and so on )

I use EBC Sintered Brake Pads, last that little bit longer

[langley beta]

I was surprised that you had problems the rate of wear of the Goldfren pads that you fitted, Goldfren have the largest range of sintered metal that I have come across 10 different grades in all ,plus the usual range of organic and carbon organic pads.

As organic pads are hydroscopic to use them in a dirt bike would be only marginally better them using cardboard take a look at the link below.


http://www.goldfren.com/materials-moto.htm

[fallenmikethebike]

^^^^^^ Good link, lots of useful info there.
Mike

[Beerbelly]

I rather pay a little extra and get something better though! I have put EBC gold on the rear now - what a difference - still most of the pad there after a decent run out last week! mind you not as much mud as the week before - but definitely a big difference. I think for value for money the EBC sintered pads are the ones. I am still determined to try some brembo pads and see how they perform against EBC. On road I always found they lasted me the longest and gave me the best performance, EBC was the second choice after Brembo. I only tried Goldfren on recommendation but wouldn't use them again.

This is my personal experience so far.... and I guess everyone is different as their riding styles will make pads wear differently.

Good link though.

[Dave]

From the last pad swap I learnt 2 things:

- Compounds: there are organic and syntherized pads, the former don´t harm the disk, the latter brake better, but can take a short while to start breaking properly in the wet. I fitted the EBC organic ones in the front, and they didn´t break as well. Now I am back to sintherized, but haven´t tried them yet. This is for road bikes, so perhaps doesn´t apply to enduro´s.

- I didn´t clean properly the caliper and didn´t add some copper grease in the pistons, so they didn´t get back to the "not braking" position with ease. It caused the inner pad to be touching the disk at all times, so the pad get worn too early. Also, I failed the MOT due to that . I decided to pay for a complete caliper overhaul and new pads, to be on the safe side.

You are right. The reason I suspect some people are having good wear from Goldfren and others aren't is the compound. Goldfren make good pads which offer good breaking in all conditions at the expense of wear. So soft you can break the pads with a screwdriver.

On the flipside one big cause of wear is poorly maintained callipers.

[Beerbelly]

I have also been using nissin pads recently - direct from honda. These are amazing! I have done over 1000 miles on the crf with the fronts still having plenty of life. The rears were replaced at around 600 miles. I think that is pretty good so far! better than any of the other pads I have ever had!

[Stewie]

I have also been using nissin pads recently - direct from honda. These are amazing! I have done over 1000 miles on the crf with the fronts still having plenty of life. The rears were replaced at around 600 miles. I think that is pretty good so far! better than any of the other pads I have ever had!

Not wanting to teach people to suck eggs, but keep an eye on the disc, if the pads aren't wearing down make sure the disc isn't taking the hit.

[Beerbelly]

I keep a close eye on the disks tbh - seem fine for now.

[Luke B]

DP pads (Dunlopad) very good feel and ware

[Beerbelly]

Tried some RFX ones this time - seem to brake quite well and seem to wear ok too.