Brake pad question?

[danlnc]

I put on a set of rear pads at the beginning of the summer, 10,000 miles ago and they need replaced. Is this normal or do I have something sticking? Now I had it done and don't know what they put on(ie composite or metallic)

[trosco]

Dan, brakes are like tires on these bikes.

Many folks complain they get 5-6,000 on a OEM Stone and they are shot. (especially rear tires) Like wise they report doing pad replacements at 10-15,000 miles (especially rear brakes). Based on those folks experience you shouldn't be upset.

On the other hand some folks (like me) are getting 15,000 out of rear stones and 20,000 on the front. I've got 40,000 on my bike and haven't replaced either set of pads. At 32,000 when I last had the rear wheel off the rear pads were almost 50% worn and the front are about the same now so I expect to see replacements at about 60,000 miles. Based on my experience you should be pretty upset about what you are experiencing.

So, if you are the kind of rider that burns up tires you can expect the same with your brakes. And if you aren't that kind of rider then you should complain to whom ever did your brake job.

[ells]

I got 19K mi out of my originals and replaced them with a pair of EBCs that only lasted 8K.

[cactusjack]

I've got almost 48,000 miles on my bike and on the original rear pads. Maybe you are using too much rear brake? ::)

I have heard that non-OEM replacement pads won't last near as long as OEM.

[ringadingh]

Exactly what type of brake pads did you install? They come in four types of material, Organic lining, Kevlar lining, Sintered lining, and Ceramic lining. You should be using sintered linings, they will last the longest.The organic ones won't last long, Kevlar would last a little better. Im not sure how well the ceramic pads will last as I have no experience with them.
I can get 20,000 miles from a set of rear EBC sintered pads.
My front OEM pads are still on the bike after 75,000 miles.
Oem pads seem to last the longest and are the quitest also, but cost the most to replace.

[trosco]

I think you are going to find that those of us that are heavy users of the front brake see much greater pad life overall.
I have had a bad right hip and knee (just had another arthro on the RT knee in August) for years and using the rear break on our Nomads was and is a bit of a pain (literally) for me. I normally use just the front brake and engine braking unless in a panic situation.
I wouldn't say our approach is better or worse just that it may prolong pad life especially on the rear which is the area prone to rapid wear. It may also be the reason we see different tire wear patterns?

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I hit 11,600 miles today and still on the factory pads. I need to look at mine and see how they look. I use both front and rear brake pretty much equally. I don't get on the hard and any time. Haven't had any panic situations yet.

[danlnc]

I think the caliper is sticking. Anyone done a rebuild?

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by danlnc

I think the caliper is sticking. Anyone done a rebuild?

Ive never heard of a caliper seizing on a Vulcan but it may be possible. Take it apart and clean it good, if everything looks ok, reassemble it replace with new brake fluid and see if that cures the problem.
If you can spin the wheel by hand, and it has just a very slight drag its ok. If its sticking it will be fairly hard to turn the wheel by hand.

[fatrat45]

dang i feel real bad i change break pads every time i change tires
i am, on my 3rd set of OEM tires. and ebc pads. will look at different pad material next time. got 22500 on my 06 now.
like i said i feel real bad now. :( :(