[Drenzy803]

I have a 22 zx6r, have about 3000 miles on her. Got a new rear tire on and when picking up the bike was told my rear brakes were at 50%. Idk why I didn't ask when I was there but do I have time before they need replaced or should I go ahead and do it? Also can I replace the rear pads without taking my rear wheel off and also do I bleed them as well once the new pads go on? Honestly I've been a car guy up until about 3 years ago when I bought my first bike, and then recently bought my zx6r new in 22 so I haven't had to do a lot of maintenance yet, I usually do all my maintenance and work on the bike unless I don't have access to the proper tools or equipment so I'd love to learn to do it myself if that's possible. Any information or tips/tricks as well would be greatly appreciated!

 

[RJ2112]

Brake use on a SS tends to be near 100% front. The weight transfer to the front as you apply either brake makes the rear progressively weaker as that happens.

Speeds above about 20 mph, 80+% is at the front.

The rear brake does have some use in specific situations…… if you have 50% remaining, I have to think you would wear out the front pads before you reach the service limit on the back.

 

[Scumbag]

50% REAR brake pad wear in 3000k miles?
You have to be riding that pedal or stuck caliper or something

 

[ON1WHL]

Exactly what I was thinking, must be riding the pedal? A fellow rider had no idea he was doing that until we pointed out his brake light constantly flashing? Ended up lowering his brake pedal to avoid it.

 

[Drenzy803]

Been a few weeks since I've rode with other riders I'd imagine someone would have said something if I was riding the rear (brake light has that strobe/flash feature so it's hard to miss) but I definitely will get someone to check next time I go for a ride. Other than that I had a few really bad close calls were cars pulled out in front of me and I know I definitely was on my rear too hard, I had figured that's what caused it too wear so much so quick.

 

[Scumbag]

It would take more than a few times lol. These bikes will routinely get 20-30k+ miles from the rear pads. Most the time ant decent pressure slide the tire anyways. Although rare since it’s somewhat a newish bike you could very well have a sticky caliper. Get it up on the stand and rotate the wheel a few times while stopping it with the brake just to make sure it’s releasing fully.
Ya very well could just worn the pads out. We are just trying to help you make sure it’s not something preventable that’s caused them to wear so fast.

 

[Scumbag]

And we are also going by a shop telling you it’s {50%}. So you should take that with a grain of salt. May not even be close to 50% and they are tying to upsell you. And even at 50% assuming it is that’s just over half the life (assuming you change when it gets to min spec).

there super easy to change tho. Just pull the dirt cap with a screw driver. Remove the pin and bolt. Lift the caliper. Give it a good cleaning and re grease your slide pins

Little tip tho. Before you do anything I always take my knee and apply as much pressure to the side of the caliper as I can. (They float) so that will compress your position enough to install the new brake pads without having to compress it after it’s removed.

 

[GEB]

^^ IIRC the OEM pads have a wear groove on them that runs about 1/2 the thickness of the pad. That was on my 2013 anyway. Its really easy to view the condition of the rear pads, just kneel down behind the bike and you can see the pads.