How to Change the Rear Brake Pads on a 2007 V Star 1100

Regular brake pad replacements are a part of owning a motorcycle and are usually a fairly simple task. But, the task is a bit more complicated when working on a 2007 Yamaha V-Star 1100, thanks mostly to the fact that the rear brake calipers are hidden behind the mufflers on the right side of the motorcycle. Although you need to take a few extra steps to remove the mufflers, most V-Star owners should be able to accomplish this project within an hour.

• 1

  Loosen the mufflers' exhaust clamps, using a 12 mm socket. Unscrew the acorn nut from the upper muffler's mounting bracket and the bolt from the lower muffler's bracket, using a 12 mm socket. Pull the mufflers off the exhaust pipes.

• 2

  Unscrew the pair of bolts from the back of the rear brake caliper, using a 12 mm socket. Slide the caliper off the rear brake disc.

• 3

  Unscrew the brake pad pins from the caliper, using a 4 mm Allen wrench. Pull the brake pads out of the caliper.

• 4

  Separate the brake pads from the metal clip. Discard the old brake pads.

• 5

  Place a new set of brake pads over the metal clip and insert them into the rear brake caliper. Screw the brake pad pins into place, using a 4 mm Allen wrench.

• 6

  Insert a flat screwdriver into the caliper and press the pads back to compress the caliper's pistons. Slide the caliper over the rear brake disc.

• 7

  Screw the brake caliper's mounting bolts into place, using a 12 mm socket.

• 8

  Reinstall the mufflers onto the exhaust pipes. Tighten the upper muffler's acorn nut, the lower muffler's mounting bolt and both exhaust clamps, using a 12 mm socket.

• 9

  Pump the rear brake pedal repeatedly to prime the brake caliper, closing its pistons and brake pads against the rear brake disc. Stop when the pedal feels firm when pressed.