Front Brake Pads Wearing at an Angle

Bought an XJ last weekend, haven't ridden it since then but I have been slowly taking it apart.

I removed my front wheel today. When I inspected the brake pads, I found they were worn at an angle like so |/ /|. What is causing this and how can I make sure they wear correctly when I put new pads on?

Also, side note, we're supposed to use 20w/50 oil right? I was wondering what your favorite brand is for when I do an oil change.

Thanks!

 

If I recall correctly that is how they are supposed to wear. This is due to the fact that the caliper mounts to the fork via a single bolt through the middle of the caliper causing a slight pivot motion when braking force is applied.

Not exactly sure what the reasoning for this design is.

I've run 10W-40 Motul for the last 12000km and ha dno problems. Just make sure it is motorcycle specific safe for wet clutches.

 

Side note on the oil however, the majority of my riding is done in air temps between 15-25 °C, lower in April, May & October, slightly higher through July & August but it is rarely above 30°C here, especially since most of my riding is done after work, not in full heat of the sun.

If you ride in higher temps you probably want a higher viscosity.

 

K-Moe is the wizard of oil. Check out his thread:
http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/choosing-the-correct-oil-for-a-wet-clutch-motorcycle.43702/
Probably more than you wanted to know!

 

Stephen, consider adding you bike model in your signature.
Different XJ's have different characteristics.
My XJ650 Maxim has brake pads as Beekman (and you) described. That is normal.
Matti has you covered on the oil thing.

 

have you or are you planning on a brake caliper rebuild while you have it off of the bike?
when you replace the pads you may have to make the hole in the pad larger to fit your caliper pin with out binding.

 

just gotta add this...

http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/in-the-church-of-clean.14692/#post-120723

http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/the-information-overload-hour.27544/#post-233801

and for your signature.. top of this page, where you see your name, select it, select signature and add your bike, get fancy, change the color and font

 

650 pads don't "wear at that angle" as in 'cause that angle'. They're made that way... Don't worry, you're ok.

 

Taking Dave's word should be enough, but since you're new I'll second it. I recently (within a year or two) rebuilt my brakes and the new pads were angled from factory.

Also, I'm a big fan of your show. Welcome to the forums.

 

Might as well.

Perfect. Thanks

I feel like I have learned so much in the past few days reading this forum. I need to marinate a little.

 

I recommend a bacon infused bourbon for your marinade.

 

good 3 fingers.... mmmm

 

Friday is a great day for marinating. A healthy dose, and allow brain to soak all weekend! Bourbon is ok, but the buzz is too mellow. You 'Mericans need good Canadian rye! Makes ya CRAZY!! Something like 40Creek. 3 fingers go great with 2 ice cubes, and/or a little splash of ginger ale for color. I'd post a picture, but I can't seem to keep a bottle around the house. Always ends up empty!

 

If it's not Scottish it's crap!

Carry on.

 

I know the feeling. My wife keeps drinking all of our Cleveland Whiskey!

 

PS, I love that this thread went:

OP: Hey, my brakes are funny.
Everyone else: Nah, you're fine. BACON! WHISKEY!

 

Even when she's not around? Iirc all good tasting liquors have a high evaporation ratio.

Gary H.

 

Whiskey is eventually the answer to every problem.

 

Whiskey river, don't run dry,
You're all I've got to take care of me

As for that, I blame the cats!