end brake pads for special

[phatts27]

Hey guys,
Reading rough old posts, I've found that I shouldn't get sintered pads and that my pads are wedge shaped because of a floating pin. Also, I'll need to purchase a left set and a right set.

I called ebc to find which part numbers I should order. They recommended fa70 which appears to be the wrong pad for the front.

Searching eBay, I found fa61 and fa41. They look like mine but they are listed as replacements for the midnight special. Are these what I want? Ebc recommends the fa34 for the rear, that seems correct.

Am I on the right track here?

Thanks,

Ed

[jetmechmarty]

Without doing the research, I can tell you the rear will also be applicable to the XS650 front. Check that. Avoid Midnight Special as the '81 has completely different brakes.

IMHO, you're right to avoid sintered. They work when hot.

[phatts27]

Thanks Marty. Luckily, I have some xs650 front pads from Mikesxs already from an old project. It seems like the fa61 and fa41 are the right choice for my bike.

I'm heading to nicks custom cycle, an ancient Harley shop, now to rummage through some old parts. If all else fails, he can order ebc pads through his shop no problem.

[crazy steve]

The LH/XJ rear caliper uses the same pads as the right front on the Specials.

[phatts27]

Surprisingly, Nick had (2) rights but no lefts. He's got everything you could ever want for a Harley and almost everything I've needed for my Yamaha. I ordered the left and it should be here next week.

I'm also rebuilding my calipers and and master cylinders. The bike has stainless lines already and they look okay. Should stainless be replaced at a similar rate compared to rubber hoses?

[Prothec]

... Should stainless be replaced at a similar rate compared to rubber hoses?

That's an interesting question. As with most manufactured products, the manufacturer is going to be the best source of information specific to their product. If you or someone else reaches out and gets some manufacturer responses, it would be interesting to get their take on the question. Typically all that is published is detail on QA processes and how they meet or exceed certain DOT standards.