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| techtalk:ih:wheels02t [2025/09/16 02:13] – [1974-1977 Front Brake Pad Replacement] hippysmack | techtalk:ih:wheels02t [2025/09/16 03:17] (current) – [Removing the Brake Pads and Rivets] hippysmack |
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| ====== IH: Wheels, Brakes & Tires - Sub-02T ====== | ====== IH: Wheels, Brakes & Tires - Sub-02T ====== |
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| ===== 1974-1977 Front Brake Pad Replacement ===== | ====== 1974-1977 Front Brake Pad Replacement ====== |
| | Follow the Factory Service Manual when working on the brake system. \\ |
| The 74-77 pie slice caliper uses pads that are riveted to the backing plates. \\ | The 74-77 pie slice caliper uses pads that are riveted to the backing plates. \\ |
| Changing the brake pads means removing the rivets and pads and installing new rivets to hold the new pads. \\ | Changing the brake pads means removing the rivets and pads and installing new rivets to hold the new pads. \\ |
| {{:techtalk:ih:wheels:1974-1977_xl_front_brake_pad_replacement_pic8_by_fizzle.jpg?direct&400|}} ((photo by Fizzle of the XLFORUM)) \\ | {{:techtalk:ih:wheels:1974-1977_xl_front_brake_pad_replacement_pic8_by_fizzle.jpg?direct&400|}} ((photo by Fizzle of the XLFORUM)) \\ |
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| There are several ways to replace the pads. The rebuild kit contains the pads and rivets needed. \\ | ====== When to Replace the pads ====== |
| One way is to take them to an auto brake shop that does it's own riveting and/or bonding and have the pad riveted or even bonded to the backing plates. ((Hopper of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/134011-76-xlh-front-brake-questions#post2859581)) \\ | The FSM says to replace the pads if they are worn down to the indicator groove on the bottom of the pad. \\ |
| | But any time you are having trouble with them stopping or experience vibration when applying the lever is a good time to inspect or replace them. \\ |
| | Spilling brake fluid on the pads is also a good reason to replace them. \\ |
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| If you want to replace the pads yourself, it's best to have the right tools to install the rivets so you don't split the rivets. \\ | ====== Removing the Brake Pads and Rivets ====== |
| A riveting press is generally used at an auto brake shop. You can buy a portable brake rivet tool that reduces the chance of cracking not only the rivet but also of the lining material. ((https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/RapcoBrake.php)) It also helps avoid the costly warping of brake assembly back plates and pressure plates, often associated with using the hammer type method. Or you can use the hammer and punch method. \\ | The pads should be replaced as a set so you'll need to drill out the rivets using a 9/64" drill bit to remove the old pads. \\ |
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| If using the hammer and punch method; ((Hopper of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/134011-76-xlh-front-brake-questions#post2859581)) \\ | ====== Installing the Brake Pads and Rivets ====== |
| Clamp a piece of round bar upright in the vise, just the right size to fit in the recess in the pad and hold the head of the rivet. \\ | There are several ways to replace the pads. The rebuild kit contains the pads and hollow rivets needed. \\ |
| Push rivets through the pad and through the backing plate. \\ | * One way is to take them to an auto brake shop that does it's own riveting and/or bonding and have the pad riveted or even bonded to the backing plates. ((Hopper of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/134011-76-xlh-front-brake-questions#post2859581)) |
| Hold pad and plate in position on the round bar in the vise. \\ | * If you want to replace the pads yourself, it's best to have the right tools to install the rivets so you don't split the rivets. |
| Flare the end of the rivet with a large center punch hit with a hammer. \\ | * A riveting press is generally used at an auto brake shop. You can buy a portable brake rivet tool that reduces the chance of cracking not only the rivet but also of the lining material. ((https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/RapcoBrake.php)) It also helps avoid the costly warping of brake assembly back plates and pressure plates, often associated with using the hammer type method. |
| Try not to pound on it too hard or the rivet can split. \\ | * If using the hammer and punch method; ((Hopper of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/134011-76-xlh-front-brake-questions#post2859581)) \\ Clamp a piece of round bar upright in the vise, just the right size to fit in the recess in the pad and hold the head of the rivet. \\ Push rivets through the pad and through the backing plate. \\ Hold pad and plate in position on the round bar in the vise. \\ Flare the end of the rivet with a large center punch hit with a hammer. \\ Try not to pound on it too hard or the rivet can split. \\ |
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| Here is another way take on the hammer and punch method using a jig made from a piece of steel angle. Two holes were drilled in the angle and tapped for two 5/16"-18 holes to match the holes in the pads. Two short bolts were adjusted to fit against the rivet heads. The bolts were locked in place with nuts. The jig is then clamped in a vice. \\ | Here is another take on the hammer and punch method using a jig made from a piece of steel angle. Two holes were drilled in the angle and tapped for two 5/16"-18 holes to match the holes in the pads. Two short bolts were adjusted to fit against the rivet heads. The bolts were locked in place with nuts. The jig is then clamped in a vice. \\ |
| {{:techtalk:ih:wheels:1974-1977_xl_front_brake_pad_replacement_pic1_by_fizzle.jpg?direct&400|}} ((photo by Fizzle of the XLFORUM )) {{:techtalk:ih:wheels:1974-1977_xl_front_brake_pad_replacement_pic2_by_fizzle.jpg?direct&400|}} ((photo by Fizzle of the XLFORUM )) \\ | {{:techtalk:ih:wheels:1974-1977_xl_front_brake_pad_replacement_pic1_by_fizzle.jpg?direct&400|}} ((photo by Fizzle of the XLFORUM )) {{:techtalk:ih:wheels:1974-1977_xl_front_brake_pad_replacement_pic2_by_fizzle.jpg?direct&400|}} ((photo by Fizzle of the XLFORUM )) \\ |
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