Rear disc brake binding when I tighten down the 2 allen bolts. Help!

Wanderer · May 2nd, 2017, 12:19 PM

I had a tire problem and so I had to take the rear wheel off.

I have not changed the bike disc pads since I bought the bike about a year ago. I ordered new disc pads today, since they look quite worn and need replacing anyway.

But, now when I go to tighten down the 2 allen bolts that hold the rear disc unit, it binds against the rear disc rotor so much that the rear wheel will hardly turn. I left the allen bolts a little loose and took a slow ride around the block. The rear brake hardly is working at all now.

What happened and how do I fix it?

I have never worked on disc brakes before. Could one of the disc pads be misaligned? How do I put see if the disc pads are not in place right? As I mentioned, I have some new disc pads on order, but I would like to realign or get the old ones working so I can ride the next few days.

Help this old man get his little bike back so it stops again.

csmith12 · May 2nd, 2017, 12:53 PM

Is your rear wheel out of alignment?

taz · May 2nd, 2017, 12:57 PM

sounds like you might have put the spacers on the wheel wrong, just one thought.

Wanderer · May 2nd, 2017, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Is your rear wheel out of alignment?

No, I checked that carefully.

Wanderer · May 2nd, 2017, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taz

sounds like you might have put the spacers on the wheel wrong, just one thought.

That may be possible. But, I don't think so. I'm at work. I'll check when I get home.

The wheel axle can be tightened down with no binding, but as soon as I then tighten the disc allen heads, it binds on the rotor.

Triple Jim · May 2nd, 2017, 03:38 PM

It's sounds silly, but I've heard of guys getting the rotor on the wrong side of one pad, instead of in the gap between pads.

Wanderer · May 2nd, 2017, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

It's sounds silly, but I've heard of guys getting the rotor on the wrong side of one pad, instead of in the gap between pads.

You know Jim, I don't find that silly at all. In fact, I think that I may have had it that way(wrong) at first when I was trying to get it back together.

That is why I was wondering if I may have knocked the pad out of place or maybe messed something else up trying to get it back right.

Can you walk me through the way I need to check to make sure it's right? As I mentioned, I'm going to have to replace the pads(front and rear) once they come in this week anyway.

I know absolutely nothing about taking disc pads out and putting them back in correctly.

Triple Jim · May 2nd, 2017, 04:09 PM

There really isn't much to it. Make sure the two pads are in position and hold them apart as you slip the disk in if they try to fall together.

Wanderer · May 2nd, 2017, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

There really isn't much to it. Make sure the two pads are in position and hold them apart as you slip the disk in if they try to fall together.

How do you actually remove the rear brake pads?

Lazarus · May 2nd, 2017, 05:03 PM

IIRC when I did my rear brake pads those two Allen screws run through the entire caliper and are sort of the guide for the pads to move on when you apply the brake. To remove them I simply loosened both of them and slid them out from the caliper and the pads came out. Not sure if its necessary or not but when I re assembled the rear brake I lightly greased both of those pins to help them go back in.

Its been a while since I did the pads though.

Z1R rider · May 3rd, 2017, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

There really isn't much to it. Make sure the two pads are in position and hold them apart as you slip the disk in if they try to fall together.

But they do fall out of position easily while getting the disc back in place, check them closely to make sure the pads are positioned in the caliper properly.

Wanderer · May 3rd, 2017, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus

IIRC when I did my rear brake pads those two Allen screws run through the entire caliper and are sort of the guide for the pads to move on when you apply the brake. To remove them I simply loosened both of them and slid them out from the caliper and the pads came out. Not sure if its necessary or not but when I re assembled the rear brake I lightly greased both of those pins to help them go back in.

Its been a while since I did the pads though.

My 2007 don't seem to be that way. On my bike, the allen screws just hold the caliper to the mount point. They are not connected to the pads.

After looking at it again last night, the pad seemed to be out of place and that is why they are binding. There is a large metal spring plate. I'm not sure how it is supposed to fit with the pads.

Wanderer · May 3rd, 2017, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z1R rider

But they do fall out of position easily while getting the disc back in place, check them closely to make sure the pads are positioned in the caliper properly.

I believe that they have fallen out of position. I went on and removed both pads and the spring plate.

Now, how do I put them back correctly. The 2 large round pistons everyone talks about in videos is different on my 2007 Ninja. Two rods on either side of the pads seem to move in and out and are fluid actuated, not the large pistons. Does that make any sense?

Triple Jim · May 3rd, 2017, 11:58 AM

Fluid pushes the pistons, but it's a floating caliper, so the whole thing can move on the rods to center itself.

Wanderer · May 3rd, 2017, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

Fluid pushes the pistons, but it's a floating caliper, so the whole thing can move on the rods to center itself.

Jim, have you seen a good write up or video on how to put the flat copper looking spring in place and then install the 2 brake pads? The smaller pad with the spring is what I can't figure out how to get back in place correctly.

Sorry for being such a noob about this...

Triple Jim · May 3rd, 2017, 12:34 PM

Sorry, I don't know of a video, and I don't remember anything unusual when I replaced my pads. Is the "spring" just a thin metal plate? If so, it's just an anti-rattle plate that goes behind the pad. I doubt if it matters which way it goes in. See if this tutorial helps:

https://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do..._brake_pads%3F

Wanderer · May 3rd, 2017, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

Sorry, I don't know of a video, and I don't remember anything unusual when I replaced my pads. Is the "spring" just a thin metal plate? If so, it's just an anti-rattle plate that goes behind the pad. I doubt if it matters which way it goes in. See if this tutorial helps:

https://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do..._brake_pads%3F

Yes Jim, the "spring" is a thin metal plate that the WIKI link you sent me calls a "anti-vibration bracket".

I had downloaded that link yesterday, but I just that I was too dumb to understand it completely. Most people describing replacing disc pads on a Ninja always show the front brake, because it's easier. And many are 2008 or newer, which are a different design.

I am only dealing with 3 simple parts. It shouldn't be that difficult, but I haven't gotten it right yet, but I will.

Lazarus · May 3rd, 2017, 01:13 PM

I would like to apologize. I didnt know the rear brake on 2007 and earlier models was different from 2008 +. So dont feel like the only noob here. Haha

Learn something new everyday. I apologize again for not realizing my error sooner. I probably won't b of any further use.

Wanderer · May 3rd, 2017, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus

I would like to apologize. I didnt know the rear brake on 2007 and earlier models was different from 2008 +. So dont feel like the only noob here. Haha

Learn something new everyday. I apologize again for not realizing my error sooner. I probably won't b of any further use.

No big deal my friend. I am always appreciative to anyone that tries to help another.

My bike would not be running today if it wasn't for all of the great people here! I learn something every time I come here.

I am at a point in my life that I prefer older, cheap "toys"(motorcycles) that I can take apart and not be afraid of making a mistake. I refuse to ever take my bikes to a rip-off shop again! So, it takes me longer to fix things, but I learn from each repair I make in the end.

I'll figure this problem out too. It can't be that hard. Just 3 simple parts(2 pads and a flat spring). The trick is in getting them in the right place. *smile*

Don't worry about your post. I have said MANY things here that I'm sure others roll their eyes when reading. It's all good.

Peace

Lazarus · May 3rd, 2017, 02:27 PM

Cool. Ya totally agree with what you said. Info and peiple on here have saved my butt more than a few times.

May 2nd, 2017, 12:19 PM	#1
Wanderer ninjette.org member Name: Ruben Location: Arizona Join Date: Sep 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 and 1991 Yamaha Virago XV750 Posts: 228	Rear disc brake binding when I tighten down the 2 allen bolts. Help! I had a tire problem and so I had to take the rear wheel off. I have not changed the bike disc pads since I bought the bike about a year ago. I ordered new disc pads today, since they look quite worn and need replacing anyway. But, now when I go to tighten down the 2 allen bolts that hold the rear disc unit, it binds against the rear disc rotor so much that the rear wheel will hardly turn. I left the allen bolts a little loose and took a slow ride around the block. The rear brake hardly is working at all now. What happened and how do I fix it? I have never worked on disc brakes before. Could one of the disc pads be misaligned? How do I put see if the disc pads are not in place right? As I mentioned, I have some new disc pads on order, but I would like to realign or get the old ones working so I can ride the next few days. Help this old man get his little bike back so it stops again.

May 2nd, 2017, 12:53 PM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Is your rear wheel out of alignment? __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

May 2nd, 2017, 03:38 PM	#6
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	It's sounds silly, but I've heard of guys getting the rotor on the wrong side of one pad, instead of in the gap between pads.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

May 2nd, 2017, 04:09 PM	#8
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	There really isn't much to it. Make sure the two pads are in position and hold them apart as you slip the disk in if they try to fall together.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

May 2nd, 2017, 12:57 PM	#3
taz ???????????????? Name: T Location: no where Join Date: Feb 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2007 ninja 250, 14 ninja 300, 09 1125CR Posts: A lot. MOTM - May '17	sounds like you might have put the spacers on the wheel wrong, just one thought.

May 2nd, 2017, 05:03 PM	#10
Lazarus ninjette.org member Name: RJ Location: PA Join Date: Dec 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 Posts: 210	IIRC when I did my rear brake pads those two Allen screws run through the entire caliper and are sort of the guide for the pads to move on when you apply the brake. To remove them I simply loosened both of them and slid them out from the caliper and the pads came out. Not sure if its necessary or not but when I re assembled the rear brake I lightly greased both of those pins to help them go back in. Its been a while since I did the pads though.

May 3rd, 2017, 11:58 AM	#14
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	Fluid pushes the pistons, but it's a floating caliper, so the whole thing can move on the rods to center itself.

May 3rd, 2017, 12:34 PM	#16
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	Sorry, I don't know of a video, and I don't remember anything unusual when I replaced my pads. Is the "spring" just a thin metal plate? If so, it's just an anti-rattle plate that goes behind the pad. I doubt if it matters which way it goes in. See if this tutorial helps: https://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do..._brake_pads%3F

May 3rd, 2017, 01:13 PM	#18
Lazarus ninjette.org member Name: RJ Location: PA Join Date: Dec 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 Posts: 210	I would like to apologize. I didnt know the rear brake on 2007 and earlier models was different from 2008 +. So dont feel like the only noob here. Haha Learn something new everyday. I apologize again for not realizing my error sooner. I probably won't b of any further use.

May 3rd, 2017, 02:27 PM	#20
Lazarus ninjette.org member Name: RJ Location: PA Join Date: Dec 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 Posts: 210	Cool. Ya totally agree with what you said. Info and peiple on here have saved my butt more than a few times.