Where to buy brake pads?

spray____

spray____

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Hey guys, fairly new to riding and maintenance, but I'm a relatively technical person and going to try and do some stuff myself through the help of tutorials and advice.

I think my rear brake pads need to be replaced as they have started squealing. I tried doing a few hard brakes to see if it was just glazing, but it doesn't appear to be the case. I'm going to open up the caliper and have a look tonight.

Where does someone go to buy brake pads? I called Canadian tire but they said they really only carry batteries and filters. Do I really have to go to a dealer?

Bike is a 2006 Suzuki GS500F
 
If you want OEM you need to go to a Suzuki dealership...If you want aftermarket you can go do any local motorcycle shop, or even order online....Pretty simple
 
Don't know why I didn't think they'd sell parts... Thanks
 
raydowe said:
Don't know why I didn't think they'd sell parts... Thanks
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As long as its a Suzuki motorcycle dealer they will sell you OEM parts, ore even aftermarket, but OEM will be expensive compared to aftermarket. Roughly 40-50% more, but I prefer OEM brake pads...Aftermarket are cheaper and might be good for your needs

If you go to a Suzuki dealer you can get prices on both....
 
raydowe said:
Why is that? Are they superior quality? Longer lifespan?
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For me better feel, more consistent, don't squeak, last longer, and don't chew up rotors....

IMO you get what you pay for, if I buy a brake pad that half the price, but lasts less then half as long and doenst opperate as well for me.. its not a deal.

For most people aftermarket is fine...Although most people care mostly about price. A full set of OEM pads for my bike is around $300, aftermarket is $150 or less...Most people are not willing to pay $300 for all of their pads to be replaced with OEM...
 
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OEM does feel better and lasts longer, and doesnt seem to sequel as much or dust as much as an aftermarket pad.....

But there are good aftermarket pads out there....like the EBC HH, which feels almost like OEM......

PS: Have you visually inspected your PAD and confirmed that it was infact low?

A set of EBC HH pads...should run $35-$50 for your bike.....not very expensive....


For parts...contact GLEN @ FYLING SQUIRREL MOTORCYCLE, im sure he has rear pads for your GS in stock.


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Thanks, that shop looks great.

I haven't checked the pads yet, but that's what I'm planning to do next, before I buy anything.

I've also got the impression from the tutorials I've read that it's standard procedure to bleed the brakes, replacing the fluid. Is this unavoidable for some reason, or just a way to make sure the fluid stays fresh?
 
If the pads are ok and still have plenty of material on them then the reason your brakes are squealing is because they are rubbing on the backside.
Go to Canadian Tire and get a small tube or pack of anti squeal, apply a small amount to the backside of the pad and the squeal will be gone.
No need to bleed the brakes,just remove the pads from the callipers.
 
IMG_20121211_211748.jpgIMG_20121211_211800.jpg

Pads seem to have a good amount of material left on them.

So you're saying apply the backside of these pads? Between the pad and the metal plate it clips onto? (Diagram is here, metal plates I'm referring to are #12 & 13)

I can do that, but I don't really understand. What is "rubbing on the backside"?
 
I see, I never would have thought that would make noise.

Thanks for the tip, I'll pickup a can.
 
Just took a better look at the pics of your pads, they need a good cleaning.
Take some steel wool dipped in varsol and clean the rust and crud off the steel plate.
Take some sandpaper on a block of wood and sand the pads just until they are clean.
 
Yeah, they have a lot of dust buildup, as does the caliper. I'm planning on doing a big clean of the whole bike in the next week or two as I put it away for the winter.

I was planning on using brake cleaner, but I'll also need something to clean the bike in general. I have some car wash gel, but I imagine that will only be good for the dusty painted surfaces.

Would you recommend varsol for that as well? The website says, "automotive cleaning to remove oil and grease".
 
raydowe said:
Yeah, they have a lot of dust buildup, as does the caliper. I'm planning on doing a big clean of the whole bike in the next week or two as I put it away for the winter.

I was planning on using brake cleaner, but I'll also need something to clean the bike in general. I have some car wash gel, but I imagine that will only be good for the dusty painted surfaces.

Would you recommend varsol for that as well? The website says, "automotive cleaning to remove oil and grease".
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You can use brake cleaner, to clean the pads.Or steel wool dipped in a little varsol.
Do not use varsol on any other part of your bike except perhaps to clean grease and oil gunk off the bottom of an engine.
For general cleaning use the soap and water.
 
Looking at those pictures.....your rotor might be grooved....what condition is your rotor in? (thickness / grooves etc etc...)
 
I see you got what you needed but for anyone else, I got front and rear pads off ebay for $30 shipped.
 
bluestreakracing.ca
 
frekeyguy said:
Looking at those pictures.....your rotor might be grooved....what condition is your rotor in? (thickness / grooves etc etc...)
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I wouldn't have thought it's too bad, but I've attached some photos. I can feel one distinct ridge running my finger from the centre out to the edge. The photos make it look worse than it feels.

Image 1
Image 2

Also thanks for the links.
 
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