Replace Buell Blast Brakes
Sporting a 500cc single-cylinder motor, the Buell Blast has provided an unintimidating, solid base for new motorcyclists to learn the sport. Based on a simple platform, the Blast is as easy to maintain as it is to ride, allowing the new rider to also practice basic maintenance skills. Replacing the brake pads on the Blast is one of the most common procedures that can be done in a home garage, often taking less than 30 minutes to complete with basic hand tools.
Instructions
Front Brake Pad Replacement
1. Park the motorcycle on a smooth, level surface and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position.
2. Locate the mounting bolts that secure the brake caliper to the right lower fork leg. Select the appropriately-sized hex head socket and break the torque on the caliper mounting bolts using a breaker bar. Remove the bolts and slide the brake caliper away from the rotor.
3. Remove the hex head bolt from the backside of the brake caliper and pull the brake pads and mounting clip out of the caliper.
4. Clean the caliper by spraying it with brake cleaner to remove road grime. Wipe the cleaner away immediately with a clean rag or cloth. Inspect the caliper for signs of damage, such as brake fluid leaks from the brake line and the inner brake pistons. Also inspect these pistons for corrosion.
5. Insert the new brake pads and mounting clip into the brake caliper. Apply a drop of medium strength thread-locking adhesive onto the threads of the retaining bolt and screw the retaining bolt into the backside of the caliper. The bolt should slide easily between the brake pads and the mounting clip.
6. Slide the brake caliper over the brake rotor and align the caliper's mounting holes with the bracket on the right lower fork leg. Apply a drop of medium strength thread-locking adhesive onto the threads of the caliper mounting bolts and insert the bolts into the bracket. Tighten the bolts to secure the caliper to the lower fork leg.
7. Rebuild pressure in the brake line and caliper by pumping the front brake lever until the lever requires a firm pull to engage the brake.
Rear Brake Pad Replacement
8. Locate the mounting bolts that secure the rear brake caliper to the left side of the swing arm. Select the appropriately-sized hex head socket and break the torque on the caliper mounting bolts using a breaker bar and remove the bolts. Slide the brake caliper upwards and away from the rotor.
9. Remove the slotted retaining bolt from the front of the brake caliper with a flat head screwdriver and pull the brake pads and mounting clip out of the caliper.
10. Clean the caliper by spraying it with brake cleaner to remove road grime then wipe the cleaner away immediately with a clean rag or cloth. Inspect the caliper for signs of damage, such as brake fluid leaks from the brake line and the inner brake pistons. Also inspect these pistons for corrosion.
11. Insert the new brake pads and mounting clip into the rear brake caliper. Apply a drop of medium strength thread-locking adhesive onto the threads of the retaining bolt and screw the retaining bolt into the backside of the caliper. The bolt should slide easily between the brake pads and the mounting clip.
12. Slide the brake caliper over the brake rotor and align the caliper's mounting holes with the support bracket on the swing arm. Apply a drop of medium strength thread-locking adhesive onto the threads of the caliper mounting bolts and insert the bolts into the bracket.
13. Rebuild pressure in the brake line and caliper by pumping the rear brake pedal until the pedal has a small amount of resistance when depressed.
Tags: brake caliper, brake pads, brake pads mounting, caliper mounting, mounting bolts
