[INTHEWIND]

I recently posted about my front brake pads wearing unevenly and that the upper right top pad was completely gone at 12,000mi. It was actually worn to the metal while the lower still had about 2mm left.

The upshot of it all was that the upper right puck was sticking. Everything was cleaned and seems not to be sticking with the new pads installed.

A lesson learned in reading the OM regarding wheel installation is that apparently, the Caliper mounting bolts need to be replaced every time you remove them.

Page 192 of the owners manual states in part "Use new mounting bolts when
installing the brake caliper".

I have never had a bike where that was the case. No one had them in stock and I had to order them. The three dealers I called had no idea they needed to be replaced each time you remove the wheel.

If you look at the bolts you can see they are hollow. Also never seen that before and perhaps that is why they are a one time use. Why would Honda to this ? To save weight?

Unless I am misreading or misunderstanding we will be paying about $25 for bolts at each front change. The bolts are #13 in the attached diagram.

If anyone has a contact at Honda it would be nice to know if we can replace those with solid bolts not needing to be replaced each change.

You need to start using your rear brake pedal along with the front brake lever when stopping.
The front lower caliper pistons are actuated by the rear brake pedal.
That is what is causing your pads to wear out unevenly, its not the bolts.

 

[INTHEWIND]

Actually just the center pistons work off the rear brake circuit. The upper and lower pistons work off the front brake. But I agree, I doubt it's the bolts causing uneven wear. They would have to be seriously bent out of shape.

So if thats true, when bleeding the front brakes, lower bleed screw, why do you pump the rear brake pedal?

 

[INTHEWIND]

What’s going on on GL1800? Has somebody started offering a bounty for resurrecting years old threads? This is the second one I’ve seen tonight from 3+ years ago.

Better ask Hoopdc, he is the one that resurrected it, not me.
What does it hurt?
Good information for newbies to this forum.

 

[INTHEWIND]

Because both the lower and upper pistons are connected internally to the upper bleed nipple (as are the lower and upper pistons on the inner side of the caliper). The center pistons (on both inner and outer sides) are connected to the lower bleeders. There are internal drillings and passages that connect everything up. Confusing, but unfortunately I can't find a decent picture.

True, You are correct.
Its important to not get lazy and just use the front lever.
Use the rear pedal and front lever and you will equal braking force on all 6 pistons on the front. The pad wear will be even at that point.
Max does a good job of explaining the brake system.