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Brake pads

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 2:06 pm
by iyernat
My PCX brake oil shows just about at level. Should I change it ? I am not sure whether it has gone down over the last 18 months of me owning it. The bike has about 4k miles.

Also, how do I check the brake pads ? I could not find any pictures anywhere. Lastly, are the brake-pads easy to change ?

Re: Brake pads

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 2:54 pm
by k2apache6.0
iyernat wrote:My PCX brake oil shows just about at level. Should I change it ? I am not sure whether it has gone down over the last 18 months of me owning it. The bike has about 4k miles.

Also, how do I check the brake pads ? I could not find any pictures anywhere. Lastly, are the brake-pads easy to change ?
Just add a bit of DOT 4 fluid, like about a cap full. Your pads should be no where close to being worn out at that mileage. When you check the fluid level window in the res make sure the scooter is level first. You should have at least another 3k miles before you need to worry about the pads unless you ride like a lunatic.

Re: Brake pads

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 5:25 pm
by iyernat
Is it as simple as taking the two screws off and adding some oil ? Is there something else I need to do as to avoid air bubbles etc. I just want to be sure how to do it .

Re: Brake pads

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 6:16 pm
by homie
iyernat wrote:Is it as simple as taking the two screws off and adding some oil ?
Please don't add oil, going for an evening ride. If someone dosent go into more detail for you I will when I get back. I haven't needed to add any myself yet but I have the service manual. We should get it right or don't do it, brakes ya know... kinda need them to work properly :lol:

Re: Brake pads

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 12:14 am
by k2apache6.0
That's the stuff, DOT 4. Thanks Homie.
Yeah undo the 2 screws, lift the plastic inner cap and CAREFULLY add just a little bit, and check the window in the res, DONT overfill..Just enough to get you over the fill line is enough and that's it, Replace inner cap and screw on the lid there's no air bubble worries.

Re: Brake pads

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 6:44 am
by gn2
Fluid level drop is an indication of either pad wear or a fluid leak.
Both of these should be investigated before you add any fluid.
If the pads are worn when they are replaced the fluid level will come back up.
If there's a leak you need to get it fixed before sorting the fluid level.

So in summary, DO NOT add any fluid for now.

Re: Brake pads

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 3:29 pm
by honkerman
gn2 wrote:Fluid level drop is an indication of either pad wear or a fluid leak.
Both of these should be investigated before you add any fluid.
If the pads are worn when they are replaced the fluid level will come back up.
If there's a leak you need to get it fixed before sorting the fluid level.

So in summary, DO NOT add any fluid for now.
Seconded.

possible scenario:

"oh, my brake fluid is low. I'll add some more." gloop gloop gloop.

time passes

"oh, my brake pads are worn out, I'll swap them for new ones." swap swap swap

Brake reservoir overflows.

Unless the fluid is discolored or completely down past the bottom of the window, there is probably no need to add any.

run your fingers around the brake caliper. If you feel an odd greasy substance (not like oil at all, and hard to describe), you may have a leak as GN2 suggested.

As for checking the pads, it's a bit of a challenge, but a flashlight, mirror or very stretchy neck are helpful. There should be wear marks on the factory pads. If these are still visible, your pads are probably fine. There are special measuring tools you can get too, but that may be overkill. TBH, if you're not sure, you should probably have a mechanic check them. Brakes are one thing you really don't want to screw up, because if you get it wrong, it could be very very bad juju. Oil changes, even a basic brake bleed, not a big deal, but actually getting into the finer points of brakes...be careful.

I'd try to be more specific, but I'm nursing a migraine and need to go lay down.

Re: Brake pads

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 10:58 pm
by k2apache6.0
Zzzzzzzzzz