How to clean motorcycle brake pads!, by Aakash Dhawan on YouTube. 1 min 6 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 6 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Park the bike on a level surface and lift the front or rear wheel off the ground with a stand so you can spin it freely.
Put on gloves and safety glasses. Brake cleaner stings skin and eyes and gives off strong fumes.
Spin the wheel and look through the caliper gap at the pads. Note how much friction material is left.
Spray brake cleaner onto the brush, not straight into the caliper, then scrub the visible pad surface and the disc.
Wipe the loosened dirt off the pads and disc with a clean rag. Repeat with a fresh rag until it comes away clean.
Spin the wheel and check the disc for grooves, blue spots or a lip on the edge. Replace the disc if it is badly worn.
Let the parts dry fully, then pump the brake lever a few times until it feels firm before you ride.
Test the brake at walking pace in a safe area to confirm it bites evenly and does not squeal.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use oil, WD-40 or chain lube near the pads or disc, because contamination ruins braking.
Do not squeeze the brake lever with the wheel or pads removed, or the pistons may push out.
Replace pads when the friction material is thinner than about 1 mm, cleaning will not fix worn pads.
Brake cleaner is flammable, so keep it away from flames and let parts dry before riding.
Questions
Can I clean brake pads without taking the wheel off?
Yes, on most bikes you can reach the pad edges through the caliper gap with a brush. For a thorough clean, remove the pads and scrub them on a bench.
Why do my brakes still squeal after cleaning?
The disc or pads may be glazed or contaminated. Lightly scuff the pad surface with sandpaper and clean the disc again with brake cleaner.
Is brake cleaner safe on motorcycle pads?
Yes, dedicated brake cleaner is made for this job. Avoid carb cleaner and solvents that can damage rubber seals.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
