GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => Brakes => Topic started by: Johno on Saturday, 10 April 2021, 05:28 PM

Title: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: Johno on Saturday, 10 April 2021, 05:28 PM
The front brake pads in my K5 were installed on the bike when I purchased it with unknown history. I have covered only 17,000 kms so their total mileage is unknown.
I've checked the brake pads for wear regularly
I usually just remove the caliper cover to check the pads for wear but decided to remove the pads from the caliper on this occasion.

The left caliper brake pads are seen below in the first picture.

The right caliper pads in the second photo.

The right caliper pads appear to be wearing evenly as expected.
The left pad on the left caliper looks as if a foreign object had been lodged between the disc and the pad to cause the damage to the pad, however there is no corresponding marks on the brake disc.

Is this just a case of the left brake pad breaking down and new brake pads will remedy the issue or is there something else gone wrong.

Any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: Kiwifruit on Saturday, 10 April 2021, 06:12 PM
Seems odd the radius of the damage to the pad is different to the wear from braking.
Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: grog on Saturday, 10 April 2021, 06:42 PM
I agree Col. Wear marks consistent. Must be just pad material no good. Very strange.
Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: Johno on Saturday, 10 April 2021, 06:46 PM
 When I removed the pads from each of the calipers I sprayed the pistons with brake cleaner to remove some of the pad dust present. None of the seals were leaking and all appeared OK. However the pads on the right hand caliper slid back easily whereas the pads for the left caliper showed more resistance to returning them into position. The pistons on the left caliper were not equally proud of the caliper body as those on the right caliper.
Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: Kiwifruit on Saturday, 10 April 2021, 07:07 PM
Wonder if it had lost a caliper bolt, say the caliper moved on one bolt could the pads foul on the bobbins.
Too wet for me to get out to the shed and have a look tonight.
Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: seth on Saturday, 10 April 2021, 07:56 PM
Might be worth checking for corrosion behind the seals as that'll make things higher in the calipers .
Hope you get everything sorted .
Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: Hooli on Saturday, 10 April 2021, 08:02 PM
That looks just like when I've lost the pad retaining pin and the pads rubbed on the bobbins.

As to the sticky pistons, had you pumped the RH caliper pistons back out before trying to push the LH caliper pistons in? If not and you hadn't taken the lid off the master cylinder you might have just run out of room in the system for the fluid to go.
Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Sunday, 11 April 2021, 08:37 AM
I agree with hooli, looks like the worn pad has not been held in place with  the retaining pin and has worn on the bobbins or shoulder of the rotor. Good pick up.
Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: Johno on Tuesday, 13 April 2021, 08:17 PM
Thanks everyone for your responses.

Hooli you are spot on. I suspected it was caused by a bobbin but I wasn't sure how it could happen.

The pad retaining pin could be the only explanation.

New pads on the way

Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: Hooli on Tuesday, 13 April 2021, 08:37 PM
It's why I threadlock the retaining pins these days, now my bike is getting old they sometimes come loose with vibration as I ride. It never used to happen.
Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: VladTepes on Wednesday, 14 April 2021, 10:00 AM
Quote from: Hooli on Tuesday, 13 April  2021, 08:37 PM
now my bike is getting old

There's no such thing as an old GSX1400 - just one that's been loved for more years.
Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: Big Phil on Wednesday, 14 April 2021, 04:41 PM
But there are also those that have been both loved and also CARED FOR😂🤣😂
Title: Re: Front Brake Pad Issue
Post by: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 14 April 2021, 04:50 PM
Hooli cares,       just not a lot!     :imrgreen: :whistling: