Change Rear Brake Pads on a Harley Road King
If your Harley-Davidson's Road King motorcycle is exhibiting a loose feeling while braking, reduced braking power or added noise, it might be time to replace the brake pads.
Instructions
1. Loosen, but do not remove, the two brake pad holding pins with a 1/4-mm 12-point box end wrench. The pins are found on the brake caliper mounted on the front disc brake rotor.
2. Remove the bolts attaching the caliper to the front fork with a 10-mm wrench. Slide the caliper away from the front fender, keeping in mind the brake line is still connected to the caliper.
3. Retract the pistol in the caliper by inserting a flathead screwdriver or putty knife between the brake pads and prying them apart.
4. Remove the previously loosened brake pad pins, and remove the pads.
5. Place a thin layer of brake pad lubricant on the back of each new pad. Place the curved end of the caliper toward the rear of the bike, and slide the brake pads into the caliper. Place the holding pins into the mounts, but do not tighten them.
6. Bring the caliper back up to the rotor, again being cautious of the brake line. Use a 10-mm wrench to tighten the holding bolts, and a 1/4-inch 12-point end wrench to tighten the brake pad pins.
7. Pump the rear brake pedal to assure the pads are in contact with the rotor.
Tips Warnings
Never replace just one brake pad at a time. A discrepancy between the two can make the braking system unstable. Also, an alternate method of changing rear brake pads can be done by leaving the caliper in place and removing the right-hand saddlebag instead. Remove the holding bolt and lift the bag away from the bike. Loosen and remove the pads and retract the piston as described. Once the pads are replaced, reattach the saddlebag and re-tighten the bolt.
Tags: change, rear, brake, pads, harley, road, king, Road King, 10-mm wrench, 12-point wrench, away from