Replacing CB500 brake pads

The CB500V has disc brakes on front and rear -- earlier models had a drum rear brake. When I got the bike, the rear brake caliper was starting to corrode, and was making horrible noises so I decided to strip it down. Having previously had fork oil leaking down onto the front disc, I decided to replace both brake pads too.

You have to remove the calipers from the bike to replace the pads. This is a pain, because to remove the rear caliper, you have to remove the rear wheel (stupid design).

The CB500V has Brembo calipers front and rear. It took me a while to work out how to remove the pivot bolt from the caliper. Eventually, the Ducati FAQ revealed the answer. You have to drive the pin out from the caliper using a punch. It has a spring collett on the outer end that fits into a recess on the caliper. Remove the spring clip first though.

Here's another snippet from the Quack FAQ:

(Reprinted from an article by Paul Thompson, Apple Computer.)



Here's what I do, with good results:



1) After mounting the new pads, ride around a bit and apply the brakes

often but not too hard, to make sure they're in place correctly.



2) Now find a long, fairly straight section of road where you can

safely travel about 35 MPH. Select a gear which is about halfway to

redline. Drag your brake (do the front and rear separately) as you

apply throttle. Keep doing this until you feel the brakes start to

fade. You'll probably smell them about this time too.



3) Get off the brake, speed up to about 70, and then brake hard again

using only that brake. Repeat one more time.



4) Continue riding without using that brake to allow it to cool completely.



What's this all about? I'm told that the process of getting the pads

very hot (called "green-fading") bakes away the adhesives near the

surface of the pad which interfere with full braking. As the pads

wear, the adhesives will recede naturally after the initial

baking. I've used this procedure every time I replace my pads, and

have noticed vastly improved brakes each time.