ST1300 Rear brake pad change

[StinkyPete]

Can someone please provide a step by step on replacing my rear brake pads.   The manual seems to infer that they can be changed without taking off the caliper, but the local bike mechanic says the caliper would need to be taken off, which according to the manual is a complex job.  I suspect changing pads should be short and simple.

[Brock]

Section 17-15 gives a pretty clear guide to replacing the pads, and should be simple.

Remove rubber plug at rear of caliper, (Pry pads apart gently with screwdiver to give clearance for removal)
Remove Stop bolt found in the hole ( uses allen key).
Pads should drop out. If needed, use old pads to help compress brake piston inside caliper
Fit front(outer ) Pad, and partially fit stop bolt ( ensure the leading edge of pad is securely located in slot).
Fit inner pad, and do up stop bolt, refit rubber plug. press brake to pump up caliper.

Job done.

[StinkyPete]

Section 17-15 gives a pretty clear guide to replacing the pads, and should be simple.

Remove rubber plug at rear of caliper, (Pry pads apart gently with screwdiver to give clearance for removal)
Remove Stop bolt found in the hole ( uses allen key).
Pads should drop out. If needed, use old pads to help compress brake piston inside caliper
Fit front(outer ) Pad, and partially fit stop bolt ( ensure the leading edge of pad is securely located in slot).
Fit inner pad, and do up stop bolt, refit rubber plug. press brake to pump up caliper.
Job done.

Hi Brock.
It wasn't too difficut and the job's now done.  Thanks for the compact version of the instructions.
Pete

[saaz]

That is the simplest way to do it. The only benefit of taking off the caliper is to give the area around the pistons and seals a good clean before retracting the piston.  I had a problem replacing some front brake pads on a  mates bike, as they must have never been cleaned up properly in their life when a shop did the pad changes. Brakes stuck on so had to go back and do it properly.  I always give my brakes a decent clean when replacing pads, and have never had to strip down a brake caliper to replace seals etc.

[West Aussie Glen]

Of cause the important thing to remember is not to touch the brake levers when the pads are out.

[Down Under]

That is the simplest way to do it. The only benefit of taking off the caliper is to give the area around the pistons and seals a good clean before retracting the piston.  I had a problem replacing some front brake pads on a  mates bike, as they must have never been cleaned up properly in their life when a shop did the pad changes. Brakes stuck on so had to go back and do it properly.  I always give my brakes a decent clean when replacing pads, and have never had to strip down a brake caliper to replace seals etc.

I agree 100%.

Found this good pictorial guide on brake cleaning at the STowners site:

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?101206-ST1300-Rear-Brake-Piston-Cleaning