How To Replace and Install ATV & UTV Brake Pads
WHEN TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS ON AN ATV/UTV
Your brake pads take a lot of abuse on an ATV particularly the heavier utility type. Regular inspection is the best way to determine brake pad wear short of applying the brakes and nothing happening. Include brake and rotor inspection as part of your regular maintenance routine.
THINGS YOU'LL NEED:
While different brands may use different size hardware the tools you will need are pretty much universal.
- Socket wrench and socket set
- Flat head screwdriver
- Small C clamp
- An Allen wrench set
- Floor jack or ATV stand
- Correct replacement brake pads
HOW TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS ON AN ATV/UTV
- Lock down the emergency brake to keep the wheels from turning.
- Using the socket wrench loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you are going to change the pads on. Don't remove the lug nuts all the way as you may make the ATV unstable.
- Raise the ATV off the ground using a floor jack or an ATV stand.
- Completely remove the loosened lug nuts and pull the wheel off. You should have access to the caliper now. If there is a caliper guard it's usually a matter of removing 2 or 3 bolts to get it out of the way.
- Remove the two bolts that hold the caliper in position and remove the caliper from the rotor. Don't let the caliper "hang" by the brake line; keep it in your hand.
- Use the screwdriver to remove the debris cover on the caliper which will give you access to the two bolts that hold the pads in place.
- Use an Allen wrench to loosen both bolts but do not remove them all the way.
- Use your hand to wiggle one of the pads free.
- Make certain that the second pad is flush with the caliper. We're going to use this pad as a "cushion" for the next step.
- Using the small C clamp push the piston back to make room for the new pads. The piston is very expensive so it's best that the direct contact be on the old pad rather than the piston.
- Remove the old pad and install the two new pads abrasive sides facing each other.
- Tighten the two loose bolts that hold the pads in place.
- Reinstall the debris cover and then reinstall the caliper using the two mounting bolts.
- Place the wheel back in place and finger tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the ATV and finish tightening the lug nuts on the wheel.
- Unlock the emergency brake.
That's it. Changing out brake pads on an ATV is quick, easy and necessary. Brake pads are fairly inexpensive and keeping your brakes healthy will have a direct correlation with keeping your body healthy while riding an ATV.
- End of Procedure -
