Front Brake Pads - Experiences/Opinions?

Discussion in '6th Generation 2002-2013' started by Aced It, Nov 19, 2019.

  1. Aced It

    Aced It New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2019
    Messages:
    177
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    South Florida
    Map
    Since I got this '06 a few months back, the front brakes bite too hard. I'll ease the lever back and at a point it will grab aggressively. I feel little control in a panic situation other than either light braking or hard braking; no in-between or smooth continuous transition. I have not looked at the brand of pad but they really need to be swapped. Fluid looks good, although I plan on bleeding it replacing with fresh DOT4; I don't know, but that could also be part of the problem. Rear brakes are fine and have a smooth predictable feel.

    It's not a race bike, and I don't ride across country. I live in the flat lands (Florida), so no mountains either. I need a smoother option. I've trusted EBC in the past for other bikes, but what are your experiences with OEM as well? I use my bike mostly for commuting and I'm on and off the brake constantly.

    Much appreciated!
     
  2. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2011
    Messages:
    6,479
    Likes Received:
    949
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Anaheim, Ca.
    OEM are actually pretty good pads as are the EBC. I use the EBC HH pads on my 6 Gen and they seem fine. I have no issues with them being too “grabby”.
     
  3. Aced It

    Aced It New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2019
    Messages:
    177
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    South Florida
    Map
    Thanks. I've never had brakes grab like this. There's just no smooth transition. I don't think fluid would cause it, thus I'm thinking pads. Who knows what's on there now.
     
  4. Aced It

    Aced It New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2019
    Messages:
    177
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    South Florida
    Map
    It's dark now, but it was killing me. I took the master cylinder cap off and found two things that may or may not be contributing. (1) The diaphragm's outer edge towards the rear was not completely sealed. You can see it folded inward in the first pic. It's not leaking fluid though, but maybe letting air in. I fixed it upon closing and tightening down the cap. (2) The color of the fluid seems darkish golden, like dehydrated piss, lol! But, I can't tell if it's the fluid itself or just stained aluminum. I plan on replacing the fluid anyway. In any case, both of these findings I would assume would lead to squishy/mushy brake feel, not grabby.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2013
    Messages:
    3,522
    Likes Received:
    391
    Trophy Points:
    128
    Location:
    East Bay, California
    Map
    In working on the brakes and clutch systems over the years, having the covers off didn’t affect the operation, strictly to keep fluids in and dirt out.
     
    Aced It likes this.
  6. Aced It

    Aced It New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2019
    Messages:
    177
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    South Florida
    Map
    Yeah, sorry. I was thinking about air "in the lines". *embarrassed*
     
  7. James Bond

    James Bond Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2006
    Messages:
    1,313
    Likes Received:
    155
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Dixie
    Map
    I would replace the fluid first thing on any "new" bike regardless of what is or isn't going on. Color of fluid doesn't necessarily indicate condition of fluid. I would replace the pads with OEM only. I will never use EBC as a serious race friend that almost everyone here would know (but prefers privacy) has had trouble with EBC and that's enough for me. What is wrong with OEM pads? Another opinion as asked for.
     
  8. Aced It

    Aced It New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2019
    Messages:
    177
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    South Florida
    Map
    Thanks for the reply. There's nothing wrong with OEM, in fact for street use most of the time it's best. That's more in line with what I'm going to replace these with. I'm going to start with replacing the fluid. It's something I just haven't got too, but it's on the list. I appreciate the insight regarding your friend's experience too. :Rockon:
     
  9. Camp

    Camp New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2018
    Messages:
    200
    Likes Received:
    53
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    Easton, PA
    Map
    Any moisture in there will cause that and dot4 picks up moisture easily. Given the boot wasn't sealed...
     
    Aced It likes this.
  10. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2016
    Messages:
    1,969
    Likes Received:
    548
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    London
    Map
    Not a chance is that fluid in good condition. Refresh it with DOT4.
    I would take a look at the caliper pistons & clean them.
    Grabby brakes can also be caused by warped discs or clogged up buttons. Clean the buttons using a can of brake cleaner & a nut and bolt.
    Sometimes new seals are required, but this is 5th on the list.
     
    Aced It likes this.
  11. Aced It

    Aced It New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2019
    Messages:
    177
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    South Florida
    Map
    Flushed and replaced the fluid today. There was some gooey crap in the bottom of the master cylinder; the video barely shows it. Front brake doesn't grab like it did which is a big step forward. I do plan to tear down, inspect and rebuild the calipers later. Pads look good; lots of life left, but may replace when I do the calipers.



    Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk
     
  12. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2016
    Messages:
    1,969
    Likes Received:
    548
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    London
    Map
    As I'm sure you are aware each caliper piston is held by 2 seals - If the piston is filthy then the seal 'grabs'..

    Watch these 2 videos to give you a better idea..





    Now as your bike is 13 years old & is likely STILL on the original SEALS, personally if you get to this point then I'd just replace with new OEM seals.
     
  13. Aced It

    Aced It New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2019
    Messages:
    177
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    South Florida
    Map
    Thank you. I've rebuilt quite a few brake calipers in my days. Seals would be part of a rebuild for sure. I will say though the brakes are 99% better than before just with the fluid change. - That shit was nasty. - The lever is not stiff, but has good control and feels smooth. Still, like you say, the bike is 13 years old and it's got almost 70K miles. The pads have been replaced and are in good shape thickness-wise. I'll probably just leave those and do the calipers.
     
  14. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2016
    Messages:
    1,969
    Likes Received:
    548
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    London
    Map
    Oh, & I also use the EBC HH pads & zero issues with them..
     
  15. bk94si

    bk94si Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2018
    Messages:
    297
    Likes Received:
    72
    Trophy Points:
    58
    I've used HH pads for years. Not because they work any better for me but because there is less brake dust from them.
     
Related Topics

Share This Page