This has been a long-requested maintenance topic for over a year. How to replace brake pads on a Harley with an anti-lock brake system. There are differences in the process for successfully changing the pad. Most people can do the work on their own at home and save a load of money doing so. Let's take a look at the differences.
Getting Started
The biggest point to address is the Dot 4 brake fluid in the brake lines. Because of the anti-lock brake module, it is critical that the system remains free of air. Any small amount of air that enters the line will cause the anti-lock brake module to become ineffective in its purpose of pulsing the brakes to bring the bike to a quick stop. Be sure to keep the brake system sealed and do not allow air into the line. When changing the pads, you need to pump a little bit of brake fluid out of the master cylinder. This is to make room for the brake fluid that is in the calipers. You only want to pump out just enough to bring the level down to about halfway in the master cylinder. This will keep the brake system sealed and free of air.
Wheel Speed Sensors
There is a wheel speed sensor on the left front caliper area and on the rear brake caliper area. These are the only cables that will need to be moved out of the way so you can work on the caliper. There is really nothing you can do to cause harm to these sensors unless you physically cut them.
Installing The Brake Pads
Once you get the caliper off, depress the pistons into the cylinder bore to make room for the new pads. Depressing the caliper pistons will push brake fluid back into the master cylinder. You need to remove some before removing the calipers. You don’t want brake fluid overflowing from the master cylinder and getting all over that beautiful paint on your bike. Install the pads as you would any on any bike, whether it be ABS or non-ABS. Reinstall the caliper. Once you have done all brakes related to the same master cylinder, it is time to compress those new pads to the rotor. Gently and fully compress or pull on the brake handle or peddle, release, and repeat until you have brake action. Doing this will push the fluid back down the line into the caliper from the master cylinder. It will take a few runs through the process before the pads make contact with the rotor and give you a tight brake. While doing this, be aware of the fluid level in the master cylinder. If it gets too low, be sure to add some brake fluid. You don’t want to take a chance on it getting low enough to allow air to enter the line. If air gets into the line, you will have to take your bike into the dealership and have them bleed the line digitally using digital technician II software to purge the ABS module of any air that could have collected inside that won't come out by conventional means. Once you have a good tight brake on the lever or pedal, refill the master cylinder to the full mark and close it up.
Final Thoughts
Take it easy for about 100 miles to allow the pads to burn in before really grabbing on them hard. The process can be done both front and back in its entirety in less than an hour. This is a great money-saving process that familiarizes you with your bike and maintains the safety factor of the brakes. I got my brake pads online at Get Lowered Cycles and had them shipped to my front door. This is a great convenience so you don’t have to spend time going to a parts house or dealership. You can have them shipped and delivered to your home so they will be ready for installation at any time.
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