How to Change Ducati Brake Pads

The Ducati line of motorcycles are essentially racing motorcycles. These sport bikes are made by Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., an Italian motorcycle manufacturer. The brakes on the Ducati bikes are all of a caliper and rotor design using a small brake lining to stop the bike. Over time, this brake lining, called a brake pad, eventually wears down due to friction with the rotor surface. When the pads become 1/8 inch thick, you will need to replace the pads.

Instructions

1

Loosen the caliper mounting bolts on the front (or rear) wheel. Turn the mounting bolts counterclockwise with a socket wrench.

2

Slide the caliper off the brake rotor.

3

Pry the retaining clip off the top of the brake pads, and remove the retaining clip and pin.

4

Pull the pads out of the caliper. Since there is nothing holding them in place, they should come right out.

5

Spray the inside and outside of the caliper with brake parts cleaner to remove any residual brake dust.

6

Install the new pads. Installation is the reverse of removal.

7

Place the retaining clip back over the top of the pads. Some of the Ducati bikes have a small arrow stamped into the retaining clip.

8

Slide the pin back through the center of the brake caliper (through the hole in the center of the brake caliper). This pin helps to hold the pads in place along with the retaining clip.

9

Wedge a screwdriver between the pads and pry them apart. This will force the caliper piston back into the caliper. The piston is what pushes against the brake pads, which in turn are forced against the brake rotor. Be careful not to damage the surface of the brake pad while doing this.

10

Slide the caliper assembly over the rotor and tighten the caliper mounting bolts to the torque specs listed in your specific bike's service manual with a torque wrench.