Well heres the deal. I came around a corner and had to slow down quite fast. Stomped on the rear brake and hit the front brakes as hard. Then ouch major noise from the rear of the machine. I'm assuming it's time for brakes, This is were I need a little help.
Where do I buy a good set of pads and is it going to be a really tough job?
Thanks for the help,
Sparke 1998 SP 500

 

Replacing the rear brakes are very simple. This will all depend on the condition of the rotor if it has deep gouges in it, replace it.

Remove the two bolts holding the caliper on and remove the caliper. There will be a retainer clip holding the pads and spacer on, remove it and the pads will fall out. Clean the pistons with a tooth brush and a light spray lubricant wipe dry with a paper towel. Using a piece of wood push the pistons all the way in and reassemble with the new pads.

I ordered my EBC severe duty pads from Rocky Mountain ATV for $24.94 plus shipping 32.00 total, it took about 5 days.

 

Griz described the change procedure well. I can only add 3 things:

1. The '98 probably doesn't have the spacer Griz is referring to. They were not used on the early models. The spacer is simply a block of aluminum that sits between the pads. It is held in by the same clip that holds the pads. The spacer is supposed to prevent the pads from wearing to the point where they will chew the rotor up. Does the spacer do this? I'll let you know when my '98 goes through its second set of Polaris pads. The new pads will come with a new spacer (at least the Polaris pads did).

2. After everything is reassembled press the rear brake pedal and release it. Do this a number of times to move the one piston out to where it should be. Repeat this with the main (all-wheel) brake lever to move the other piston out. The caliper uses twin opposed pistons. They have to be moved out into position so that the other piston has something to push against.

3. EBC brakes seem to be a favorite for this machine. They are available from most any motorcycle dealer. The EBC part number is FA270R for the sintered (sp?) metallic pads and FA270SV for the carbon pads. I just ordered EBC pads for the front and rear of my '98 SP, for the next change.

You talk of pressing front and rear brakes. The pedal is rear brakes only. The hand lever activates front and rear brakes equally at the same time.

Happy motoring.

DJ

 

Thanks for the help,
Sparke

 

Do you know if they are availible for a scramber?

 

Zman, Hotseat has severe duty rear pads for the Scrambler for around $30.

 

I would spend the extra few $$ and go for the EBC's over the Hot Seat pads. And to answer the question before that, yes they are available for all Sports/Scramblers as well. DJ has the rear part #'s for '98 and up listed above. Earlier,the non-concentric drive, ATV have a different part number. I'll post a complete list later today when I get home.

 

I always thought that woodward was the best.The dealer gave me the stock pads that were woodward for the rear and polaris for the front.
If the ebc's are better I'm interested for 1997 scrambler.Where to find and part #
Thanks

 

I guess it's mostly personal choice on the brakes. A good dealer should have an EBC fit chart.

All the fronts should be the same for Sport/Scrambler's, FA159R, and your rears for '98 and older will be FA232R (maybe FA233, I can't read my own writting!). The "R" designation is for the sintered pads, use "SV" for the severe duty pads if you like, but most are back ordered.

 

One other note, I had a problem of squealing and grinding noises from the brakes on my 2000 Scrambler 400 2X4, so I disassembled, cleaned and applied automotive type "disc brake anti sqeal" to the back of the pads. I had no more noise after that.
Also, be sure to ride easy untill the pads are broken in, or seated to the rotors.