Changing Front Brake pads - any special tools needed?

[bmwian]

I will be upgrading my stock front brake pads, and was wondering if i need any special tools to complete the task?

What is the torque setting for the pin that holds the pads?

Thanks!

[Rainman]

To help you out, there are no special tools required other than a good torque wrench (which everyone should have) and a good set of metric sockets.

There are a couple of "pins" that keep the pads in the calipers, but they aren't threaded, and have self-actuating position locators. (Pull out, push back in).

The caliper "bolts" which hold the calipers to the lower fork & axle pieces are M10 x 65 hex heads and should be torqued to 38 Nm.

You will need to remove the calipers before you can release the pins.

Be particulary cautious of the backing plate thickness of the replacement pads you buy. Search is your friend.

Good luck.

PS: You should probably buy the service manual OR download it from this forum for questions like this.

[bmwian]

Many Thanks!

[lfoggy]

Originally Posted by Rainman

You will need to remove the calipers before you can release the pins.

Maybe my bike has different calipers from yours but I can remove the springs and pins that hold in the pads with the calipers in place just using my fingers. The pads can then be pulled out with pliers.....

[Rainman]

Originally Posted by lfoggy

Maybe my bike has different calipers from yours but I can remove the springs and pins that hold in the pads with the calipers in place just using my fingers. The pads can then be pulled out with pliers.....

Sounds like you were able to change the pads w/o removing the calipers.
Looks uncomfortably tight to me as the pins are on the inside of the calipers.

The service manual actually says to remove the calipers first, so I followed their directions. No pliers needed then, the pads just fall out when inverted.

Here is a poor cut n paste from the manual:

Preparatory work Removing and installing the rear-wheel stand special tool (motorcycles without centre stand) (Description in item: 46 52 510, Billed as a separate item)
Release the front brake calipers
Core activity
(+) Replace the front brake pads
Finishing work Secure the front brake calipers
Bedding in brake pads
Final check of work performed

[2000750]

You might be able to remove the pads without removing the calipers, but in my opinion it will be much more difficult to get the piston pressed back into the caliper in order to slide the new pad in. It's two bolts to remove the caliper. But any way you slice it. This is a cake walk.

[chopt]

I'd suggest removing them and cleaning any build-up off the pistons and seals. Plus the pins that the pads float on. I recently experienced an abnormal amount of rolling resistance in the front wheel on my track bike. I rebuilt both front calipers(actually unassembled, cleaned and reassembled with the same parts) and noticed a ridge of grime built up on the pistons. After cleaning and reassmbly, they're operating like new again.
Food for thought.