I put a new set of brakes pads on my 98 SP500 and the thing still won't stop. I have taken the calipers apart and cleaned and greased the slide post and still have no stopping power. The pressure on the handle is firm and they seem to work Ok with it jacked up. The pads are Pure Polaris and seems like they are made of solid copper or brass. Will these "wear" in and become more effective after a few rides? I have tested my buddies wheelers brakes and they will lock up the front wheels. Mine will just barely slow you down. Any ideas? Maybe I could drop an anchor or something like that. Thanks and stay behind me until I get this fixed.

 

I didnt see you mention it but have you tried bleeding the lines? I know on my 04.5 sp500 the rear brakes do nothing but the handbrake locks all 4 tires.

 

I have not tried to bleed the lines yet, I was thinking that the firm pressure of the brake handle was a sign that there was no air in there. I think I am going to dump the entire fluid system and redo with new fluid. Thanks

 

Did you take the piston out of the caliper? It sounds like a "frozen" piston.

 

What do your rotor surfaces look like? They should be very smooth....

 

Well, my pistons are free, I pushed the in when I installed new pads. As for my rotors, there are so me minor groves in them. This is where I was hoping the pads would wear-in some.

 

Yes it will take some time for the pads to wear in to the rotor surface, right now the pad only makes contact with the high spots on the rotor so it won't stop as it should until full contact is achieved....