How to replace rear brake pads. - 2003 Harley Davidson FLHTCUI Electra Glide Ultra Classic

did the pads have a shiny glaze? If so, use sand paper or emery cloth to remove the glaze. Maybe you have a problem with wheel bearing?

The minimum brake disc thickness is stamped on the side of the disc. Maximum brake disc lateral runout or warpage is 0.008 inch (0.2 mm) when measured near the outside diameter.
Replace brake pads if the friction material above the backing plate on either pad is 0.04 inch (1.02 mm) thick or less.

To remove the rear brake pads begin by removing the right side saddlebag, loosen both pad pins but do not remove them or installation of the new pads will be more difficult than needs to be, remove the rear master cylinder reservoir so you can se the fluid level as you push the pads and the pistons back as the level ma rise too much when the pistons are seated fully in their bores and you may have to see this and remove excess fluid, pry the inside pad back pushing the pistons fully into their bores using a putty knife with a wide thin blade to avoid scoring or scratching the brake disc. THEN when the pistons have been fully retracted pull the pad pins part way out until the inside pad drops free and note the orientation of the pad so that you can easily install the new pad in the same orientation with the curved portion of pad necessarily facing the rear of the motorcycle, install the new pad and install but do not tighten the pad pins, then pump the rear brake pedal to move the inside pistons out until they
they contact the inside brake pad, then using a putty knife with a wide thin blade to avoid scoring or scratching the brake disc pry the outside pad back in order to push those pistons fully into their bores, verify that the inside pad is captured between the brake disc and the pistons, completely remove the pad pins to free the outside brake pad. note the orientation of the pad before it falls out and install a new outside brake pad using the same orientation with the curved portion of pad necessarily facing the rear of the motorcycle and if the inside pad moved during the previous step reinstall it. Replacing one pad at a time keeps the anti-rattle spring in place and so if you wish to replace the spring you will have to remove both pads to remove and replace it. THEN inspect the pad pins for unacceptable wear/grooving and replace if and as necessary and install the two pad pins and tighten them to 180-200 in-lbs (20.3- 22.6 Nm). THEN pump the brake pedal to extend the pistons and move the brake pads out against the brake disc. THEN check that the brake fluid is at the proper level about 1/8 inch down from the top of the reservoir and add NEW D.O.T. 5 SILICONE BRAKE FLUID, if necessary, install the master cylinder reservoir cover and tighten the cover screws to 6-8 inlbs(0.7-0.9 Nm), install the right side saddlebag, turn on the ignition/Light Key Switch and observe proper operation of the brake light, safely test ride the motorcycle and if the brakes feel soft or spongy, bleed them until you get a firm, hard pedal. Allow the new pads to properly wear in to the disc by not doing hard stops for the first 100 miles (160 km).

Hello Dale, this is an easy job on your bike. Use a flat head screw driver and remove the brake pad cover...it will pop off.
Remove the hairpin type clips off of the ends of the brake pad pins.... Use pliers & pull the brake pad pins out from the front of the rear brake caliper....Clean the rear brake caliper's piston with brake cleaner. Use a rag and wipe it clean...Reinsert the old brake pads into the caliper. Place a pry bar between the brake pads, then push the inner piston into the caliper body, this will allow room to install new pads.... Remove the old brake pads...Coat the brake pad pins and the new brake pads metal back plates with high-temperature grease.

Slip the new brake pads into the rear brake caliper, then push the brake pad pins halfway into the caliper. Slip the spring clips into place between the brake pads and the brake pad pins. Push the brake pad pins completely through the rear brake caliper. Push the hairpin clips back into the brake pad pin tips. Snap the brake pad cover onto the top of the rear brake caliper....

Pump the rear brake pedal until the pedal feels firm, indicating that the brake pads have closed around the brake rotor...No bleeding will be needed because the system was never opened - That's all there is to it...i hope this information is helpful & good luck with your bike.

YOU NEED TO SAFELY RAISE SUPPORT REAR OF VECHICLE ON JACKSTANDS. MAKE SURE VECHICLE PARKED ON SOLID LEVEL GROUND. YOU NEED TO SIPHON JUST A LITTLE BRAKE FLUID OUT OF THE MASTERCYLINDER.BECAUSE YOU NEED TO USE LARGE C - CLAMP TO COMPRESS FORCE PISTONS BACK IN THE CALIPER BORES USING LARGE C - CLAMP DOING THIS WILL ALLOW YOU ENOUGH ROOM INSTALL NEW REAR BRAKE PADS.TO REMOVE REAR PADS ONCE YOU COMPRESS PISTON BACK IN THE CYLINDER BORE. YOU CAN TO REMOVE REAR BRAKE PADS BY REMOVING RETAINING PINS IF EQUIPPED OR BRAKE PADS HELD IN PLACE BY RETAINING BOLTS.ONCE YOU HAVE NEW REAR BRAKE PADS INSTALLED.PLACE MASTERCYLINDER COVER BACK ON TOP OF MASTERCYLINDER THEN PUMP BRAKE PEDAL TO SEAT NEW REAR BRAKE PADS AGAINST THE ROTOR UNTIL BRAKE PEDAL FEEL FIRM AND SOLID.THEN RECHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IN BRAKE MASTERCYLINDER ADD LITTLE MORE FLUID IF NEED DONT OVER FILL MASTERCYLINDER.

YOU HAVE TO BUY FRONT PADS FOR FRONT BRAKES AND REAR PADS FOR REAR BRAKES THERE IS SOME DIFFERENCE.

Brake Pads Removal & Installation Front

To Remove:

1. Drain brake fluid to ½ full level in reservoir.
2. Remove the front wheels.
   
   
3. Remove the front brake caliper assembly.
4. Remove the 2 anti-squeal shims from each of the 2 brake pads.
5. Remove the wear indicator from each of the 2 brake pads.

To Install:
NOTE: When replacing worn pads, the anti-squeal shims must be replaced together with the pads.

1. Using a large C clamp or equivalent press piston into the caliper.
2. Apply disc brake grease to the inside of each anti-squeal shim.
3. Install the anti-squeal shims on each pad.
4. Install the pad wear indicator clip to the pads.
5. Install the pads with the pad wear indicator plate facing upward.
6. Install the brake caliper with the 2 mounting bolts. Torque the bolts 25 ft-lb (34 Nm).
7. Install the front wheels.
8. Fill the master cylinder with new clean brake fluid.
9. Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the brake pads.

Rear TMC made rear brake components

TMMK made rear brake components

To Remove:

1. Drain the brake fluid to ½ full level in reservoir.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Remove the caliper slide pins.
4. Remove the caliper slide pin bushings (TMMK made) (Kentucky).
5. Remove the rear brake calipers.
6. Remove the 2 brake pads with the anti-squeal shims.
7. Remove the anti-squeal shims and pad wear indicators from brake pads.

To Install:

1. Using a large C clamp or equivalent press the piston into the caliper.
2. Coat both sides of the outer anti-squeal shim with pad grease.
3. Install anti-squeal shims to each pad.
4. Install wear indicators on the 2 brake pads.
5. Install the caliper slide pin bushings (TMMK made) (Kentucky).
6. Install the rear brake caliper with the slide pins. Torque the slide pins as follows:
   • TMC made (Japan): Torque the caliper slide pin 25 ft-lb (34.3 Nm)
   • TMMK made (Kentucky): Torque the caliper slide pin 34 ft-lb (47 Nm)
7. Fill the master cylinder with new clean brake fluid.
8. Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the brake pads.
9. Install the rear wheels.

Brake Rotor Removal & Installation Front To Remove:

1. Remove the front wheels.
2. Remove the front brake caliper assembly.
3. Remove the front brake pads.
4. Remove the 2 bolts and caliper mounting bracket.
5. Place match marks on the disc and axle hub.
6. Remove the front wheel disc.

To Install:

1. Align the match marks and install the front disc.
2. Install the brake caliper mounting bracket. Torque the bolts 79 ft-lb (107 Nm).
3. Install the brake caliper. Torque the bolts 25 ft-lb (34 Nm).
4. Install new gaskets and connect the brake hose to the caliper with the banjo fitting bolt. Torque the fitting bolt 22 ft-lb (29.4 Nm).
5. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid.
6. Bleed the brake system.
7. Install the front wheel.

Rear To Remove:

1. Remove the rear wheels.
2. Remove the brake caliper assembly.
3. Remove the brake pads.
4. Remove the 2 bolts and the caliper mounting bracket.
5. Place match marks on the disc and axle hub.
6. Remove the rear disc.

To Install:

1. Align the match marks and install the rear disc.
2. Install the rear brake caliper mounting bracket. Torque the bracket bolts as follows:
   • TMC made (Japan): Torque the bracket bolt 46 ft-lb (61.8 Nm)
   • TMMK made (Kentucky): Torque the bracket bolt 34 ft-lb (47 Nm)
3. Install the rear brake caliper with the slide pins. Torque the slide pins as follows:
   • TMC made (Japan): Torque the caliper slide pin 25 ft-lb (34.3 Nm)
   • TMMK made (Kentucky): Torque the caliper slide pin 32 ft-lb (43 Nm)
4. Install new gaskets and connect the brake hose to the caliper with the banjo fitting bolt. Torque the fitting bolt 22 ft-lb (29.4 Nm).
5. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid.
6. Bleed the brake system.
7. Install the rear wheel

pads last about 20k, rotors about 40,for the fronts and about 30/50 for the rears,they are all semi metallic.if you look under the car you will see the places for the jack(not to be used when working on the car OTHER than replacing a tyre.)for all manuals see "manuals"on this website(i am in england...)

Brake Pads
Removal & Installation
Front





3.4L front disc brake assembly









4.0L and 4.7L front disc brake assembly




To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of
   this section.
   
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   
   
   • Front wheel
     
   • Clip, 2 caliper pins, the anti-rattle spring then remove the 2 brake pads
     and the 4 anti-squeal shims

To Install:

CAUTION
Only replace brake pads on 1 side of the
vehicle at a time. Failure to use this procedure could cause the caliper pistons
on the opposite side of the vehicle to pop out requiring the reconditioning or
replacement of the brake caliper.

1. Remove a small amount of brake fluid from the master cylinder.
   
2. Install a used brake pad into the caliper and compress the caliper pistons.
   
3. Apply disc brake grease to both sides of the inner anti-squeal shims.
   
4. Install or connect the following:
   
   
   
   • Anti-squeal shims to the new brake pads
     NOTE: When replacing worn pads, the anti-squeal shims must be replaced
     together with the pads.
     
     
   • 2 brake pads
     
   • Anti-rattle spring and the 2 caliper pins
     
   • Clip
     
   • Front wheel
   
   
5. Depress the brake pedal several times to seat the brake pads.
   
6. Check the brake fluid level and top off as needed.

Rear
To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of
   this section.
   
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   
   
   • Rear wheel
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • 2 cylinder slide pins from rear caliper assembly
     
   • Caliper assembly from rear caliper mounting
     
   • 2 brake pads with anti-squeal shims from rear caliper mounting
     
   • 2 anti-squeal shims from each disc brake pads
     
   • Pad wear indicator plate from the inner side disc brake pad
     
   • 4 pad support plates from the rear caliper mounting

To Install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   
   
   • 4 pad support plates on the rear caliper mounting
     
   • Pad wear indicator plate on the inside brake pad
     Note: Install the pad wear indicator facing downward.
     
     
   • Anti-squeal shims on each brake pad
     
   • 2 disc brake pads with anti-squeal shims to the caliper assembly
   
   
2. Apply lithium soap base glycol grease to the sliding part of 2 caliper slide
   pins.
   
3. Install or connect the following:
   
   
   
   • Disc brake caliper assembly with 2 caliper slide pins
     
   • Torque to 65 ft-lbs (88 Nm)
     
   • Rear wheel
   
   
4. Depress the brake pedal several times to seat the brake pads.
   
5. Check the brake fluid level and top off as needed.

--- Removal & Installation
Front
To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of
   this section.
   
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   
   
   • Front wheel
     
   • Front brake caliper assembly
   
   
3. Make matchmarks on the disc and the axle hub.
   
4. Remove the front disc.

To Install:

1. Align matchmarks and disc onto axle hub.
   
2. Install or connect the following:
   
   
   
   • Front brake caliper assembly with the 2 bolts
     
     
     
     1. Torque to 90 ft-lbs (123 Nm)
     
     
   • Front wheel

Rear disc brake pads offer better performance and are not as affected by moisture like conventional brake shoe style brakes are. Rear disc brakes are similar to front disc brakes. The main difference is that rear disc brake systems must incorporate the emergency brake system. There are two methods widely used for the emergency brake with rear disc systems. The first system is a brake shoe inside the brake disc that is actuated by the emergency brake lever. The second is a screw style actuator inside the brake caliper. When activated the brake pads are forced into the brake disc and held tightly by the emergency brake lever.
READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING
Step 1 - Identify Rear Disc Brake Components
Rear disc brake assembly includes; rear brake disc, rear brake pads, brake caliper mount and a caliper mounting screw. (Note: Some vehicles do not have the rotor mounting screw.)
Step 2 - Removing the Rear Brake Caliper Mount Bolts
To replace rear brake pads and rotors the rear brake caliper needs to be removed. First loosen the rear brake caliper mount bolts and remove them. Turn counter clockwise.
Step 3 - Lift Rear Brake Caliper from The Caliper Mount
After the caliper mount bolts have been removed, gently lift the brake caliper from the caliper mount. Inspect the caliper slides; they should move freely in the caliper mount. Remove rear brake pads and hardware.

Step 4 - Removing Caliper Mount Bolts
With a socket wrench or other appropriate removal tool, loosen the rear brake caliper mounting bolts. Remove bolts and lift the caliper mount and remove it from the vehicle. Remove the retaining screw from the disc mounting hole. Tap the rotor gently to release any rust that has accumulated between the rotor and bearing hub. Lift brake rotor from wheel hub holding on tightly, using both hands. You do not want to drop the rotor.

Step 5 - Removing Rear Brake Rotor
Remove the retaining screw from the disc mounting hole, tap the rotor gently to release any rust that has accumulated between the rotor and bearing hub. Lift brake rotor from wheel hub, hold on using both hands and do not drop.

Step 6 - Install New Brake Rotor
Check the new rotor against the old brake rotor to make sure they are the same size. Clean the mating surface on the wheel hub before the new brake rotor is installed. Reinstall rotor retainer screw.
Step 7 - Reset Rear Brake Caliper
Before new brake pads can be installed, the rear brake caliper must be reset. The reset tool winds the piston back into position so the new brake pads will fit. This style of brake caliper will not compress with a clamp tool; it can only be reset with the proper reset tool.
Step 8 - Reinstall Rear Caliper Mount and Install New Rear Brake Pads
After the caliper has been reset, reinstall caliper mounting bolts and make sure the bolts are tight. Then match up the old brake pads to the new brake pads. They should be exactly the same except, of course; the old ones will be worn out. Check the new brake pads for proper fit and install any brake hardware that is required.
Step 9 - Remount Rear Brake Caliper
Reinstall the brake caliper, align brake pad hardware and reinstall caliper mounting bolts. (Note: align the rear peg of the brake pad to the groove in the caliper piston.) Recheck and retighten all caliper and caliper mount bolts. Bleed brake system to relieve any air in the system. Before driving the vehicle, push the brake pedal down and let it up slowly. This operation forces the brake pads to travel to the brake rotors. DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE until proper brake pedal operation resumes. When test driving vehicle listen for any unusual noises during the operation of the brakes.
WARNING! Always have the vehicle under inspection on level ground, in park with the emergency brake on. Always wear protective eyewear, gloves and necessary clothing before inspection or work begins. Never crank an engine over when anyone is near the battery or engine. Always have an operational fire extinguisher close by, obey all first aid instructions in the event of an injury. Never stand in front or behind a vehicle when cranked over or running. When engine is cranked over keep hands and clothing away from rotating components. Never move a car without proper brake pedal operation.

That's to be expected and is completely normal.

Rear brake shoes as fitted to drum brakes can typically last up to 60k miles with periodic adjustments, but you have rear disc brakes and the shoes will typically last half of that.

Also, modern brake pads no longer contain asbestos and are now made using harder metallic compounds; the direct result is that brake discs (US=rotors) are also considered to be consumable items as they are worn down by the harder pads. It's not unusual to have to replace front discs every other pad change and rear ones with every pad change; in both cases the mileage will typically be around 30k miles on most models.