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Changing front rotors on an SV650, advice needed please.

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 10:56 am
by daveoner
I bent my right front brake rotor and found a deal an a pair of used ones on ebay. I ride an 03 SV650 with about 9500 miles and the pair of used rotors I bought are from an 04 SV650 with a claimed 4100 miles on them.

First, can anyone suggest a quick fix while I wait for my rotors to be shipped? Can I take the right side rotor off (and pull out the brake pads) and will the front brakes still work on the left rotor?

What I really need to know is: Do you have to replace both front rotors on a dual disc set up at the same time? I ask because I am wondering if I need to do some adjusting to compensate for more or less wear on one side.

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 6:11 pm
by BuzZz
You don't need to replace both rotors at the same time, the hydraulics will compensate by themselves. As for running a single rotor for a short time.... leave the pads in the un-used caliper and pump the brakes up. If the caliper pistons don't come out of thier bores (probably won't if you have enough pad material left) you should be alright. But keep in mind, your front binders will not stop you like before......

How did you bend one rotor?

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:24 am
by daveoner
Thanks BuzZz

I bent it by forgetting to take off a disc lock and tried to pull away, skidded on my front wheel for a couple feet. :oops:

Let me please confirm what you are saying:

I can take off one rotor and actually leave the brake pads in the calipers?
I haven't inspected it closely yet and I haven't studied the repair manual.
I figured I would have to take any "floating" parts (like pads) out so that they would not fall out while I am riding.

I understand that I will have to be aware of longer braking distances. But I want to get back on my bike and expect to have to wait a while for my parts since the ebay seller I got 'em from is in Canada and I am in AZ. thanks for the help

Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 11:58 am
by BuzZz
The pads do 'float' but are not totally free. They have pins or sliders holding them into the calipers. You want them installed to keep the caliper pistond from extending all the way out and fluid pumping out. Then you have no brakes at all.

I will also mention that this is not recommended practice.... but you already knew that. :wink:

Careful out there.