Fresh brake pads are one of the best ways to keep your SUPER73 stopping with confidence. This guide walks you through the whole process, from removing the old pads to bedding in the new ones. With the right tools and a little patience, it’s a very doable job.
Shop replacement brake pads
Ready to get started? Pick the pads that match your brakes:
Browse more official SUPER73 accessories to keep your bike ready for every ride.
Watch the video tutorial
Prefer to see it done? Watch our video tutorial on brake pad replacement before you begin:
Recommended tools
- 5mm hex wrench
- T15 Torx wrench
- Piston press
- Brake fluid
- Latex or nitrile gloves
- Isopropyl alcohol
Removing the old pads
- Secure your bike. Make sure it’s upright and adequately secured so it can’t fall over.
- Remove the brake caliper. Use a 5mm hex wrench to remove the caliper bolts, then lift the caliper off the rotor. We recommend removing the caliper to prevent damage to, and contamination of, the rotor. On two-piston brakes, remove the bolt spacers between the caliper mount and the caliper and set them aside for installation.
- Don’t squeeze the brake lever. With the caliper off the bike, squeezing either lever means the pistons will need to be pushed back into the caliper with a piston press.
- Add the spacers, if included. If your bike came with black plastic brake pad spacers, install them between the pads to prevent accidental movement.
- Remove the retainer bolt clip, if equipped.
- Remove the pads. While holding the caliper, unscrew the brake pad retainer bolt with a T15 Torx wrench (four-piston brakes only), then gently remove the pads and holder spring from the caliper. If your pads are held with a cotter pin instead of a retainer bolt, straighten the ends of the pin and remove it.
- Make room for the new pads. Pushing the pistons back into the caliper may be necessary for proper clearance. Use a piston press to gently push them in so they sit inside the caliper. You may need to lube the pistons with brake fluid to prevent seal damage or piston drag and sticking. Clean off any excess brake fluid from the caliper and pistons.
- Inspect and clean. We always recommend a visual inspection to see whether the caliper and pistons need cleaning. Some calipers are dirty enough to affect piston performance. Wipe the piston area clean with isopropyl alcohol, including the piston faces and inside the caliper body.
Keep your new pads clean
Don’t touch the braking surfaces of the new pads with your hands. Oil, grease, or other substances on the pads or the disc reduce braking effectiveness and can cause excessive noise or squealing. We recommend wearing latex or nitrile gloves.
Installing the new pads
- Add the holder spring. Install the pad holder spring between the new pads, on top of the pads as shown in the video.
- Position the pads. Place the new pads and holder spring in the caliper, with the braking surfaces facing each other.
- Secure the pads. Line up the retainer bolt with the holes at the top of the pads and holder spring, then tighten it with the T15 Torx wrench (four-piston brakes only). If your pads use a cotter pin, install it and bend the ends back so it’s securely held.
- Add the bolt clip. Install the bolt clip in the groove on the retainer bolt. Pads with only a cotter pin don’t use a bolt clip.
- Reinstall the caliper. Carefully place the caliper so the pads sit on each side of the rotor, taking care not to damage the pads or rotor.
- Start the caliper bolts. Install the bolts and finger-tighten them. On two-piston brakes, install the bolt spacers between the caliper mount and caliper.
- Seat the pads. Spin the wheel and squeeze the brake lever. While still squeezing, fully tighten the caliper bolts with a 5mm hex wrench. Take care to protect your hands and fingers while the wheel is spinning. This properly seats your brake pads.
Squeaky brakes? Bed in your new pads
Any time you replace your brake pads, rotors, or both, bedding in is crucial for optimal performance. It lets your pads wear evenly and removes surface glaze and contamination from installation. Surface glaze on the pads can cause squealing brakes.
- Front brake: Accelerate to 20 mph, then use the front brake to bring the bike to a near stop. Repeat 8-10 times, using only the front brake.
- Rear brake: Do the same with the rear brake only. Accelerate to 20 mph, bring the bike to a near stop, and repeat 8-10 times.
For more on why this matters, see our brake bedding guide.
Prefer to leave it to a pro?
No problem. Find an authorized retailer near you with our dealer locator, and explore the full lineup if you’re thinking about your next ride.
Questions? We’re here to help.
Not sure which pads fit your bike? Call us at (949) 649-4607, Monday to Friday, 7AM to 6PM PST, or visit our Contact Us page.