Pitted Brake Pads

I just pulled the front brake pads off of my 81 Maxim 650. The pads look like they are pitted, almost as if some gravel were stuck between the pad and the disk. The disk isn't perfectly smooth, but I don't feel any ridges big enough to explain the pitting. Any ideas?

 

Here is a picture of one of the pads. Both pads are pitted, but this one is worse.

 

Sure looks like a bunch of gravel got loose in there. Kids might have dumped sand on the caliper or there may have been a really bad wind storm that did it. Either way, the outcome is obvious. You can simply resurface the pad (very laborious and the dust is dangerous) or buy new and put your mind at ease. If the rotor hasn't got grooves, a quick light sanding on both sides should set things right.

 

I have new pads on order. The problem is that the new pads will not be here before my temp tags expire and the DMV needs a physical inspection to transfer the title. Do you think I can trust these to get to the DMV and back? I figured I would lightly sand the disk and lightly sand the pad (with a mask on of course). No joy rides. Just there and back till the new pads come in.

 

I think your good for a trip to the DMV. I've seen pads FAR worse than those.

 

I put the pads back on and took it out for a test drive. It seems like the brakes are more sensitive now. One of the pads was hard to get in, but when I took the pin out initially, it just fell out. The manual said I may need to compress the piston when I put new pads in, but doesn't mention anything about putting the same pads back in. Is there some adjustment I need to make when I take the pads off and just reinstall (not new pads)? While the pads were off, I took the cover off of the M/C just to check the level (the view window is cloudy). Could that do anything to the brake adjustments?

 

You should have taken the opportunity to smear a light (and I mean light) film of brake caliper grease on the support pin and guides for the pads. At the same time, you should flush your master cylinder and bleed the system.

 

I am planning on flushing the M/C when I put the new pads in. What is the purpose of the grease on the support pin? Remember, I am new, so type slow

 

Lets the pads / caliper assembly slide so it doesn't don't bind.

 

I wouldn't bother messing with or replacing those pads. Put them back on and use them until they are worn down to the wear markers. You aren't losing any performance from those small gouges. I have seen plenty of brake pads, on all types of motorcyles look that way, although not usually as bad. But I still don't see it as anything to worry about.