How to Change Brake Pads – A Beginner’s Guide

This guide is just that. A guide only. If you can do it a better way than that’s the way to do it. I am attempting to write this in a way in which is as simple and explanatory as possible. For most the CBR250RR is their first bike and their first experience with vehicle maintenance. So if you have any additions or suggestions for this guide please let the site admin know. To anyone using this guide remember to use you common sense and think safety when working on any vehicle.

NOTE: This guide is for the front brakes. The rear is almost the same. Differences include single disc (duh) and a single piston. Using this guide you should also be able to change the rear brake pads.

You will need:
• 12mm Socket
• Ratchet
• 5mm Allen Key
• Flat Head Screwdriver
• Brake Pad Set X2 + rear set if needed
• Rag
• WD40 or equivalent
• Brute strength or a G-clamp



Cost $AU:
• Ferodo Sinter Front Brake Pads $55 per set (one side) or $110 for both sides
• Organic Front Brake Pads are about $40

Important Points:
• Always use the right sized tools when working on your bike. Striping the heads of the little screws on the brakes will
make you a very angry rider.

• Always take care when working on your brakes. Remember these are the things that stop you hitting that other thing
that looks very hard and immovable.

• There are many differing types of brake pads. Each has their own characteristics and properties.
Google is your friend so go find the differences.

• Learn how to bed in new brake pads. There are a bazillion different ways to do this. There does not seem to be one
definitive way. Google is you friend. Here is one of many examples.

• I believe the Aus spec models and imports have slightly differing brakes. I don’t know the difference. Your local Honda
Spares should know. This guide is written for an Aus model CBR250RR but should be similar to an import.

• Do not squeeze the brake lever once you have taken the pads and/or calliper off. This will push the pistons out making them very hard to replace.

The Guide:
Ok, so now you have got everything you need it is time to change us some brake pads. Changing the brake pads is a relatively simple task which does not require a lot of mechanical nous.

Firstly start by placing your bike on a solid, flat, even surface. If you have a rear paddock stand use it. If not the side stand will do. Take your flat head screw driver. Now undo the plug pin. Be aware that this is very easy to strip. I have done it and it is a freakin pain to get out once you’ve striped the head. So if it won’t come apply a liberal amount of WD40 to the plug pin. Leave for 5 minutes then try to remove again. WD40 is an amazing substance and I would be surprised if you have to do this more than twice. See picture of plug pin below.

Underneath the plug pin there is a bolt with an allen key head. Grab you 5mm allen key and undo this bolt. Be aware this is holding in your brake pads so they will fall out when you remove this. I actually recommend you do not remove this bolt just yet. Just loosen it. This will allow you to see how your brake pads sit in once you take the calliper off the forks.



Now time to undo the bolts holding your brake calliper to your fork. There are two of these and they are removed with Mr. 12mm socket and ratchet. See picture below. Importantly LEAVE THE BRAKE HOSE CONNECTED. Once you have removed these two bolts slide the calliper off the brake disc. If you have not already removed the old brake pads take a look at how they sit in the calliper. This will be useful when putting the new ones in. You can now remove the allen key bolt and old brake pads if you have not already done so.



Time to grab your brute strength or G-clamp. The old worn pads are much thinner than your new fat meaty pads so your brake pistons will be pushed in not allowing your new pads to get over the brake disc. Either with your hand or G-clamp push the brake pistons back into the calliper. You will need to push both back at the same time or the pressure will just push the one with no force on it out, thus defeating your goal. You do not need to push them back completely. Just enough to create enough room for the new brake pads. If your are using a G-clamp put one of your old brake pads on the pistons to help you push both pistons back at once.



So now all the bolts are out give them a quick swipe down to remove any grim or brake dust and give all their threads a light spray with some more WD40.

Time for the new brake pads to go in. You will need to place the pads in the calliper with the pad material facing each other and the ends with the holes at the same end as the allen key bolt. The flat squarish end of the pads should sit flush up against the back of the calliper. Screw the allen key bolt back in and tighten ensuring the bolt goes through the holes in the end of the brake pads. Double check your pads are in their correct place.

Realign the calliper with the bolt holes on the forks. Ensure the pads go onto either side of the brake disc. Tighten up the bolts which attach the calliper to the forks. Do not over tighten these bolts. Time to put the plug pin back in place. Do not over tighten the plug pin or it will be a massive pain to get out next time. Make sure you give the plug pins thread a spray of WD40 before you put it back in. Hopefully this will make it easier to remove next time.

Repeat this guide for the other front brake calliper and the rear if it needs new pads and you are just about done, but not yet….

STOP. You are not finished yet. Before you take off down the street doing an awesome mono getting ready to go down into the best rolling stoppie ever seen just before a massive cliff…. You must put pressure back into your brake lines. Because when you pushed your brake pistons back with your brute strength you took all the pressure out and hence have no braking power. This is a simple fix. Just squeeze and release the brake pedal a few times until you feel brake pressure. Finally give your brake discs a good wipe with a clean rag. Make sure you do the whole disc! This will ensure any WD40 or other undesirable substances do not stop you from stopping.

Now go bed in those pads. Stay safe

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