When do you replace motorcycle brake pads?

There are some obvious signs that you are due for new brake pads, such as a metallic squealing noise that comes from the bare metal backing on the pads scraping your rotors when the pads are all gone. But before you get to that point where you’re actually damaging your rotor and creating a bigger problem, the best practice is to inspect your brake pads before your ride.

Some brake pads have groove wear indicators to let you know you’re getting close to the end of the pad’s life, which makes inspecting the brake pads much easier. But if they don’t have indicators, you can measure the friction material thickness using a micrometer. If the brake pad friction material gets worn down to 1-2 millimeters or less than ⅛ of an inch, it’s time to replace them soon. 

Locating the wear indicator is typically possible without taking the brake caliper off the motorcycle for inspection. Measuring the pads may require removing them from the caliper for closer inspection. In some models you might be able to drop the brake pads out of the caliper without unbolting the caliper, but on some you will have to remove the mounting bolts that secure the brake caliper around the rotor. When you remove the pads, make sure not to squeeze the brake lever, or it may be more difficult to get the caliper back on.

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