I have a non-ABS GS. On checking front pads before a road trip with some friends noted one pad on one caliper had worn just above the wear grove guides. Pad with loads of wear measured about 7.43mm (new I understand they should measure 8.6mm). The worn pad measure 5.69mm. Brakes have performed fine. Cannot see anything unusual on the discs. I have ordered a full set of pads from Motorworks for both sets of calipers. Can anyone offer any advice on any recommended checks? I did not really want to strip down the calipers if I can help it. Any advice will be gratefully received
R1150GS 2003 uneven wear on front pads
- Thread starter GreyHairedWombat
- Start date
beemer pimp
Registered user
Switch them around
The Grey One
Registered user
You don't say how worn are the other 3 pads. Presumably there is considerable difference? Pads do tend to wear slightly differently but if there is big difference in wear it does point to a problem. Clean the calipers before you start work, being especially careful around the pistons. You don't want to damage the seals by forcing crud in when the pistons are being pushed in. If they don't go back smoothly and without too much effort you might have found the problem. Do check, though, that the master cylinder reservoir has enough space for the fluid displaced by pushing the pistons back. If the reservoir has space but the pistons don't go back try releasing the bleed nipple, if that cures it it might suggest a problem in the brake lines although I would have expected that to effect both pads in a caliper. I use the old pads to push the pistons back, if there is a lot of crud you can take the pads out before you clean up. Put the pads back and gently squeeze the pistons in. By leaving the old pads in place you can check the movement of the pistons by gently applying the brake. If all is well carry on with fitting the new pads. Use high melting point anti seize compound on all areas that the new pads make contact with the caliper including the retaining pin.
If one or more pistons is seized or very stiff I doubt you will have any option but to overhaul the caliper. If all appears OK do check the pad wear from time to time just in case there is still a problem.
John
You nwouldn't beleive the amount of bikes i get in with one pad worn far more than the others. Seems a BMW trait.
My own bike has a fast wearing pad, i cleaned out the brake pistons and fitted new seals years ago and it made no difference. It also happens on the 1200 models.
So i now swop the pads so they all take a turn in the fast wearing slot and come to the end of their lives at the same time. I tell my customers to do the same.
In a perfect world you shouldn't. But a used old GS isn't perfect.
thank fuck for that . i have had this problem for ages , i have been putting worn pads in the fast wearing spot . helps to use up all the part worn pads i have .
and i have already put in a rebuild kit .
and i have already put in a rebuild kit .
Thank you all for all the advice and especially to Steptoe who's advice has given me peace of mind. I'll now just change over the pads in the worn caliper and follow the advice to swap the pads round
