Uneven RT brake wear

[nitsuj]

Hi all. In another thread, I asked about my friends final drive on his 2006 RT. So, it looks like I have to send the final drive out for rebuild. One of the other things on the agenda is the rear brake pads. They have worn very unevenly. The Inner pad is worn almost to the backing metal. The outer pad has about double the pad material left. The pads have less than 10,000 miles on them. The caliper slides smooth and easy on its pins.

Would the play in the rear wheel cause the uneven wear? If not, is there some sort of Beemer reason for the wear?

And while I'm asking stupids questions, let me ask this. How should the pad retaining pin be held in place. The pin appears to be drilled for a hitch pin or cotter, but there was nothing. I don't want to stick one in if there isn't supposed to be one. But I find it hard to believe they rely on the friction of the spring collar and detent to hold it in there.

[k1w1t1m]

When I bought new pads for my GS I noticed the same thing, the inner pad was nearly gone and there was still about 2mm left on the outer. When I checked my new pads the outer has more material on by about 2mm right out of the box. I guess there's a reason, though I don't know what it is.

[ragtoplvr]

my bmw wears the inner more also.

I wish they made a thicker inner, thinner outer,

pin are free but I guess there is enough residual friction

[JimVonBaden]

The reason for the two sizes of pads is the single sided caliper. Wear occurs more on the side with the pistons.

Additionally, if one doesn't keep the pin clean and lubed, the pads will wear unevenly.

Jim

[nitsuj]

How long are pads lasting you guys? The owner of this RT is agitated that they lasted 10,000 miles. He is adamant that he doesn't drag the rear brakes and uses the front for the majority of his stopping. (I know the bike has linked brakes, but I would assume it uses the front more when you're applying the front brakes.)

[ragtoplvr]

The BMW's seem to have a strong rear bias on gentle braking.

Rod

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by nitsuj

How long are pads lasting you guys? The owner of this RT is agitated that they lasted 10,000 miles. He is adamant that he doesn't drag the rear brakes and uses the front for the majority of his stopping. (I know the bike has linked brakes, but I would assume it uses the front more when you're applying the front brakes.)

The owner needs to spend some time on the forums.

The RT has linked servo-ABS. This means that on some bikes the proportioning valve is biased towards the rear. Some only get 10-15K miles on a set of rear pads without ever using the rear brake. Buy EBC pads, or Carbon Loraine and the life is greater.

Jim