Will Rear Brake Pads Fit the Front Calipers?

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by Motographer, Jul 27, 2013.

  1. Motographer

    Motographer New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2011
    Messages:
    202
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Map
    Wanting to change out the OEM pads soon, and just considering options. My first choice is the EBC HH Sintered pads based on what I've read on here, but Motorcycle Superstore only offers a rear set. I seem to remember that the front and rear calipers on the 5th-gen are all the same, but I wanted to be sure before ordering. Thanks!
     
  2. digitallyhip

    digitallyhip New Member

    Country:
    Canada
    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2008
    Messages:
    244
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Bowen Island, BC
    This is the case for the 6th gen, but I am not qualified to comment on the 5th.
     
  3. YAUGURU

    YAUGURU New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2013
    Messages:
    75
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Lynchburg, VA
    I guess YES.. LAst set I brought I just installed front, bur they seems to be exactly the same. 5 gen, just compare them and confirm.
     
  4. zoom-zoom

    zoom-zoom Member

    Country:
    Canada
    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2004
    Messages:
    1,447
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    BC, Canada
    Map
    Was going through the garage today and found a set of pads that I got for my last bike (a 97 VFR750). I doubt they would fit my 5 th gen but if anyone would like them they are free for the asking if you want to pay shipping.
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2013
  5. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2011
    Messages:
    6,479
    Likes Received:
    949
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Anaheim, Ca.
    EBC has a reference guide that shows which pads go with which year bike calipers. The 6 Gen does change at some point where the fronts are different from the rears. Also, if you go to Jakewilson.com, and put in your make/model/year it will show you which pads you need based on that info, plus their price is slightly lower than MCSS.
     
  6. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2008
    Messages:
    2,245
    Likes Received:
    270
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    Platte City, MO
    Map
    FWIW the Honda micro-fiche shows different part numbers for front and rear brake pads on '98 and '99 models. I was thinking they were the same too, and maybe they are physically the same just different composition for the rear?
     
  7. Deadsmiley

    Deadsmiley Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    May 3, 2009
    Messages:
    1,241
    Likes Received:
    45
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Bowling Green, KY
    Map
    EBC lists one part number for the 1998 model. I can't speak about other years because I haven't looked.
     
  8. vfrcapn

    vfrcapn Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2004
    Messages:
    1,405
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    53
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA
    Map
    EBC lists the FA261HH for front and rear '98 to '05. In '06 the front changed but the rear is the same to '11. '97 and prior are different f & r.

    edit: I have the EBC Excel parts list for all EBC products '12 and prior. If there's a file spot I can upload it at let me know and I'll post.
     
  9. TNRabbit

    TNRabbit New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2013
    Messages:
    1,024
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Woodford, VA
    Map
  10. vfrcapn

    vfrcapn Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2004
    Messages:
    1,405
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    53
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA
    Map
    That is correct.
     
  11. mastergregor

    mastergregor New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2012
    Messages:
    76
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Location:
    Arlington Heights, IL
    Map
    I have 1998 VFR, and I have changed all the brake pads in all the calipers, both front and rear. I have used EBC 261 HH. These pads will fit either front or rear calipers.

    Now for the difference. There is a difference in front and back RETAINER PAD only, not in calipers. Rear retainer pad has a "pin" down the middle of it, and this pin requires that pads have a slight groove in the sliding piece that goes into the retainer pad. Front retainers do not have this raised section, and therefore, pads to not require a small groove in the top sliding section.

    That being said, there is no reason why you could not use brake pads with this groove in the retainer pad that does not have a ridge in it. This is the logic behind EBC's pad design, pads do have a groove in the sliding section, but they can be used in either front or back calipers.

    Here is the "groove" in the sliding section of the patds that I am talking about:
    EBC-FA261HH-F_is.png
     
  12. Shmerick

    Shmerick New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2012
    Messages:
    90
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Location:
    Kennesaw, Georgia
    Map
    Pretty sure I used all the same part number front and rear on my '00.
     
Related Topics

Share This Page