My Xpedition has 49 hrs(369 miles) and the front brake pads were GONE. The rear still has over 50% left. I was under the impression that the brakes were biased 60%rear, 40%front which I think would make the rear wear out faster. Are my brakes set up properly??


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Ronnie Crecelius Xpedition 425

 

You may want to have a dealer check that. I just replaced the rears on my Magnum 500 ,the fronts still look good. I have 1300 miles on mine that sounds a little extreme unless you are riding in some really harsh conditions or stopping from high speeds a lot.

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Kevin Gowdy aka Kagey 1999 Polaris Magnum 500

 

No it's 70% in the front and 30% rear.

 

I also forgot to mention that since the new rear brakes on the Polaris's actually work I got into the bad habit of using only the foot brake so thats why I have so little wear on my fronts.

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Kevin Gowdy aka Kagey 1999 Polaris Magnum 500

 

Kagey, I see lots of that now when I am out riding, guys using the foot brake as their primary stopping power. I always have to look twice...

 

Kagey,
I too would use my rear brake but it doesnt seem to work well enough, it bottoms out on the floorboard. Can it be adjusted?

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Ronnie Crecelius Xpedition 425

 

I am assuming your Expedition has a hydraulic rear brake that is separate from the "main" one lever system. If so it can probably be adjusted.

Jack up the rear end 1" off of the ground.
Pull on the "main" lever and try to spin the rear tires by hand. (note to see if they spin)
Step on the rear foot brake only and try to spin the rear tires by hand. (note to see if they spin) Also try and feel if there is more drag when the brakes are applied.
Try to feel for a "spongy" feel from either brake.
If the tires spin and there is a "spongy" feel then the brakes probably need to be bled.

Another way to check (which is more inaccurate) is to get going ~15-20 mph on a loose gravel road and turn the tires and apply the braked somewhat hard (this can be dangerous: roll-over possibility). If the rear end slides out bad or you can lock the front tires up easily then your rear brakes probably arent working correctly. As I said before this can be inaccurate and you need a "special" feel for the machine so you do not roll it if your rear brakes really arent working. (I do not recommend it unless you are experienced) But it is a good field trial.

If your machine follows the description above and you need instruction on how to bleed the brakes E-Mail me.

AMA 99 Sportsman Any questions...ASK

 

Thanks for the input guys.

slotcar,
In reference to the rear brake, I think the Xped brake lever is a little different than other models. Also my floorboards are "staggered". I think the rear prob is ths lever is hitting the floorboard before aduquate pressure is applied. There is 1/4 to 3/8 freeplay before the lever touches the cylinder.

I checked the front brakes while it was in the air and they seem to be working fine. For some reason I didnt check the rear, only visually inspected the pads. I'll check the rear and see what I find there.
Thanks again

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Ronnie Crecelius Xpedition 425