My 2000 Kodiak 4X4 is about 2 months old and I have already replaced all three sets of brake pads. The rear was worn well beyond the pad and into the metal backing plate while the fronts were completely worn from the backing plates. With the excellent engine braking, I really don't use the brakes all that often. The Kodiak's been used for about 15 rides (maybe 500 miles), all offorad with the typical mud, rocks, water, etc. I also have a 1995 Honda XR650L that's been used since new for on road/off road and has not seen the same conditions as the Kodiak, but still has it's original brake pads after 2800 miles. Has anyone out there experienced the rapid brake wear I have?

 

I haven't had to do brakes on my BigBear yet, but I've heard that it will be a problem. The word is, riding in mud coats the pads in grit. Then it scratches your disks (or drums for the back), then it causes the pads to wear unevenly which causes them to wear faster--or something to that effect. Everyone I've talked to says that it's a trade-off for riding in the mud. I always try to use the brakes sparingly in the mud and to wash the brake assemblies thoroughly after a mud ride.

CrashGordon

 

My 2000 Kodiak's rear brakes were down to the metal at 500Km. Its a well known fact that they have brake problems, I've heard a few people are getting them under warantee. I picked up a set of EBC aftermarket rear pads and they are supposed to last much longer. Hope this helps.

 

I too, Have had to replace my rear pads. I rode about 500 miles when I notice the pads were wornout. I replaced them with the same as Kerplunk (EBC). Dealer claims these are a harder pad. Will keep you all posted at the next 500 mile checkup. Riding in Mud and all that is!!

Mac The Red Rhino

 

It happened to me to with about 5-600 miles, down to the metal on the rear inside. The dealer replaced it w/the same lame Yamaha pads for $29.00. Where can you get the EBC brand and are they very difficult to install and how. I was skeptical, cause I don't ride them and use engine brake 95% of the time. I hope some there will be some longer lasting ones available. Otherwise a killer bike with no problems...

 

Who has the best price on EBC pads and about how much are they?

 

I used to have a 99 Kodiak. I had it for 2 yrs and put around 2000 miles on it. It still had the stock brakes on when I sold it. Maybe the 2000 Kodiaks have different brakes. I did alot of mud running with it. Of course it was a 5 speed and I really didn't have to use the brakes all that often.

 

The good news is that the brake pads are easy to replace. Two bolts hold the caliper assembly onto the bike and two allen head screws release the pads from the calipers. A trick is to loosen the allen head screws while the caliper assembly is still on the bike. Even after washing the bike, you can hear the pads rubbing against the disks without being applied--they appear to be wearing out all by themselves.

 

Frano, thanks for the tip. They charged me $25.00 for the rear pad. It seems like the disc was smoothed out on the inside because when I took it, it had some ridges where I got down to metal. I wonder if they smoothed it down so they would not rub as bad. I can't hear it rub when off and moved in neutral like it used to. I guess the fronts are ok, they say twice as long life. If anyone knows where to get some better pads i.e. EBC, let us know. THXS...

2000 Kodiak/beige
2000 warn winch
Escavators 25-10-12
alum skid plate/rear

 

Over 100 hours on mine with the original pads and no sign of premature wearing.