TECH: Composite Rotor & Pad Install
Rotors and Caliper Pads at the start of the install
We will start by removing the Performance Machine calipers and changing the pads to Lyndall pads. These composite pads are red in color and are required by LRB when using composite rotors. By adhering to the manufacturer’s request to use its pads, you keep intact the lifetime warranty that Lyndall Brakes offers for this part combination.
Start the pad replacement procedure by removing the cotter pin safety clip, and begin to pull the cotter pin from the PM caliper.
Next, using a small curved pick or similar device, remove the spring clip from the side of the brake pad. Notice the cotter pin is going through the center of the spring clip, which also holds the spring clip in place so it cannot pop out of place.
Remove the cotter pin from the caliper. When doing so, you will see the spring clip become free. Remove the spring clip carefully making sure it does not bend, twist, or distort.
The pads in the PM caliper should now be free. Simply slide the old pads out of the caliper.
Insert your new Lyndall brake pads into the PM caliper.
Reinsert the safety clip spring and attach to the LRB pads once you have the spring clip in place. Then insert the cotter pin through the caliper and through the center of the spring clip and into the opposite side of the caliper.
At this point, the pads should be aligned properly, and the cotter pin should go through the caliper with ease.
Place the cotter pin clip in the provided hole and bend tabs downward to the left and right.
Next we will install the rotors on the wheel. If your bike model is a pre-2000 model year, you’ll need to use the required adapter spacer provided with your Lyndall brake rotors. Since we are using a 1997 Dyna as our install bike, we will be adding the space on both sides of the wheel since it is a dual disc application.
Place the Lyndall composite rotor on the wheel, making sure to align the pattern of the rotor to match your wheel as closely as possible. If you have a matching rotor/wheel combination, this process is called “clocking.” That is where the brake rotor will align with the wheel pattern and percent a seamless pattern.
Apply blue Loctite to all five rotor bolts, and attach the rotor to the wheel.
Tighten all rotor bolts in an “X” pattern. Doing so assures a proper rotor/wheel seat.
Torque all rotor bolts to 35 to 38 foot-pounds.
After left and right rotors are installed, start front wheel assembly.
Be sure to torque the front axle nut to 50 to 55 foot-pounds.
After the front wheel is installed and the axle is torqued, look at the caliper and rotor from the front and back. Most calipers come with a shim kit to align the caliper to the centerline of the brake rotor. This caliper has a definitive line down the center where the two caliper halves come together, and using the shims provided with the PM calipers we are able to move the caliper to the center of the rotor. Doing this assures an even pad wear and ultimate stopping power.
Reattach both calipers with appropriate shims and torque caliper mounting bolts to 28 to 38 foot-pounds. Attach your brake lines and bleed the brake system as per your service manual. After the job is done be sure to clean off your calipers and rotors so nothing gets contaminated with leftover residue. Since you have fresh pads and rotors, it’s best to do a few light-to-medium stops to break everything in.
So you want to go fast? Well, we all know part of going fast is stopping fast. If you can’t slow down when you need to, then this article is for you. Today’s project consists of a 1997 Dyna with dual disc stock rotors and Performance Machine four-piston calipers. We will be upgrading the caliper pads and rotors to Lyndall Racing Brakes (LRB) composite rotors and LRB composite pads.
Sources:
Lyndall Brakes
San Diego Customs
