Front brake question

[Narcisist]

So I had to get a new tire on the front of my bike to pass inspection, and while I have the wheel off I check out the brakes, always a good idae. I noticed that, while I have a lot of pad left, they don't seem to be wearing straight. When I put each pair of pads together the line where the rotor would be isn't parallel to the pads, it's pretty diagonal actually. Is this normal? Should I change them out when I get my galfer brake lines in the mail, and if I do change them, what can I do to prevent this from happening again? Thanks, much.

[renegade_xs11g]

So, you noticed that, too, HUH?
It took me a long time to figure that one out, every thing is fine....
those pads are made like that, they pivot on the bolt in the center of the caliper, really it's the caliper that pivots.....
look carefully, you'll see what I'm talking about

[Ivan]

On the special the brake pads are tapered.

[DGXSER]

Do they look like this?

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20340

Yep, that is one the Specials are sooooo special. As I learned by freeking the same way you did.

[TADracer]

Get a manual!

I seriously recommend you get yourself a good manual before tearing into things on these machines. A manual and this forum will answer a multitude of questions you will have in the future.

[justme1100]

The XJ1100 is the same way, I needed to replace mine anyway.

[fredintoon]

I noticed that, while I have a lot of pad left, they don't seem to be wearing straight. When I put each pair of pads together the line where the rotor would be isn't parallel to the pads, it's pretty diagonal actually. Is this normal?

Hi Rich,
at least you asked first. I tossed my perfectly good tapered pads and the garbage truck took them away before the new ones came in and the bell rang in my tiny mind, "They are supposed to be like that!" Duh.

[Gyrogearloose]

Howdy there! Just done new front pads on my 80 special. Be careful if you try and order OEM (original equipment) pads. I learned the hard way, that Yamaha doesn't make the left side set anymore, and so you might end up with a set for the right only. The bandits' sent me TWO sets for the right, and then later admitted they couldn't get the left side anymore. Ha. I had to re-order pads of a different material (from a different company of course!). Good luck. They are easy to install. Oh, and make sure your forks don't leak or the resulting oil (even a light film) on your disks will make all your efforts for naught.

[fredintoon]

- - - Oh, and make sure your forks don't leak or the resulting oil (even a light film) on your disks will make all your efforts for naught.

Hi Geno,
oh boy are you right about that. I got a right forearm just like Popeye's trying to stop my rig after the front fork seals let go.