Tapered front brake pads

[Ranger_xs1100]

I'm working on a 79sf special. The next step is replacing the tapered front brake pads. Why they are tapered I don't know. Anyhow, I got them mixed up and because of the taper, there seems to be a difference between right and left. Or am I over thinking this? Is there a right and left set of front brake pads?? If so how do I tell the difference? Thanks

[jetmechmarty]

Yes, there is a right set and a left set. If they're still in the package, look online for which part number is right and which is left. Otherwise, you won't be able to get them on the wrong side.

[bikerphil]

EBC #'s for 79-81 Special, excl. 81 MNS

Front:
Left side is FA-61
Right side is FA-41

Rear is FA-34

[Ranger_xs1100]

My dilemma was caused by opening the packages and setting the two pairs of pads on the work bench without regard to right and left orientation. The new pads don’t have the part numbers on them, so when I went to install them, I could not tell which was the right pair and which was the left pair. The wedges are tapered opposite from side to side but It looks like they could be installed on either rotor. The calipers are marked R and L, the rotors are marked R and L, but the brake pads are not marked! I wish I could have figured this out logically based on wheel rotation or mechanical force or some such thing, But I'm not an engineer and can’t see what difference it makes. Obviously there must be a reason for it... Anyhow, the only way I was able to figure it out was by looking at my other bikes to see which way they go. Hopefully those ones are on right! I really should do a pictorial for future reference.

[Tonyxs11]

My dilemma was caused by opening the packages and setting the two pairs of pads on the work bench without regard to right and left orientation. The new pads don’t have the part numbers on them, so when I went to install them, I could not tell which was the right pair and which was the left pair. The wedges are tapered opposite from side to side but It looks like they could be installed on either rotor. The calipers are marked R and L, the rotors are marked R and L, but the brake pads are not marked! I wish I could have figured this out logically based on wheel rotation or mechanical force or some such thing, But I'm not an engineer and can’t see what difference it makes. Obviously there must be a reason for it... Anyhow, the only way I was able to figure it out was by looking at my other bikes to see which way they go. Hopefully those ones are on right! I really should do a pictorial for future reference.

the pads will only go in one way.

[bikerphil]

Here's something I posted a while back...


09-05-2010, 07:05 PM



Those Special pads are easy to get mixed up, just had to figure this out the other day:

The thin edge of the pad should be facing forward on the outboard side of each caliper. The thick edge faces forward on both inboard pads.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Here's something I posted a while back...


09-05-2010, 07:05 PM



Those Special pads are easy to get mixed up, just had to figure this out the other day:

The thin edge of the pad should be facing forward on the outboard side of each caliper. The thick edge faces forward on both inboard pads.

Right on Phil. You are exactly correct. Marty and Tony indicate that the pads will only go in one way, so I guess I just got lucky the first time. But since I didn't know that and wasn't sure that I had them correct. I spent a ton of time experimenting for the fun of it. Anyhow, here is a picture I took in case I run into this again, because I will likely forget again! (Hope I got this picture right!)

[Tonyxs11]

beats me why Yamaha came up with this idea im gona change my forks at some point so i can use better callipers. i'm used to the 4 pot brakes on my GSX11 and 2 finger braking.