P500 P500 Brake pad replacement with photos

[Mudder]

First time stumbling through replacement, open for comments and corrections, especially any good tips. Replaced with aftermarket brass pads. Hoping the ipad pics help for reference and we can edit to make this a Resource (@Hondasxs ?). I will edit based on member input. Thanks in advance.


Tools used, 12 and 17 mm wrench, caliper tool, clamp, brush for cleaning. 3 cups of coffee.

 

[Admin]

 

[Mudder]

Front pads are very easy, hold the caliper bolts from spinning with the 17 mm and remove the two bolts with the 12 mm wrench. The plastic mud guard can be pushed away to pull the caliper. Support the caliper.

An excellent detailed thread on the Front replacement by @ehart814
P500 - How to: Pioneer 500 front brake pad replacement

 

[Mudder]

Rear pads are more involved due to disassembly and access. Before starting, this pic shows the components. The blue part and pads with thin plates on the forward pad are of note. The green is the caliper with X grooves that needs to be screwed in, (do not press in like the front caliper). It appears this screw in caliper is a parking brake mechanism design.
Skid plate removed for access to lower bolts

 

[Mudder]

Remove the two caliper bolts.

 

[Mudder]

During removal, the thin pad plates may fall, along with the clips as shown in the parts diagram. The caliper piston is now visible. Notice the round tip (red circled) on the forward pad back which must line up with the caliper groove.

 

[Mudder]

I removed the entire caliper assembly for easy access and photos, the two bolts in top photo with red paint. Screw in the piston to account for the new thicker pads. The block tool helped, just try the different sides to find a fit. For OEM pads, ensure the groove is aligned to allow the tip on the forward pad to fit in a groove.

 

[Mudder]

Install pads and clips, attention to detail.

 

[Mudder]

Reassemble unit. Some general reference pictures. Pump brake and check emergency brake feel before riding.

 

[Mudder]

1600 miles, muddy riding. Pic show front pads worn out but rear pads looked good. I will not likely go through the effort of the rear pads again until I go through at least two future sets of front pads.

Edits and tips welcomed to help make this thread helpful to others.

Some related links, Thanks to @ehart814 and @Hondasxs for threads, @DG Rider for tool link.
P500 - How to: Pioneer 500 front brake pad replacement (very detailed)
P500 - Rear brake pads
Caliper Tool.
https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Brake-Piston-Remover-Drive/dp/B00YFT1SXU/?tag=sxsweb24-20

 

[snakeriver]

1600 miles, muddy riding. Front pads wore out, but rear pads looked good. I will not likely go through the effort of the rear pads again until I go through at least two future sets of front pads.

Edits and tips welcomed to help make this thread helpful to others.

Some related links, Thanks to @ehart814 and @Hondasxs for threads.
P500 - How to: Pioneer 500 front brake pad replacement (very detailed)
P500 - Rear brake pads
Tool.
https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Brake-Piston-Remover-Drive/dp/B00YFT1SXU/?tag=sxsweb24-20

View attachment 106653

Great job on the photos and instruction.

 

[Mudder]

Thanks, wife only had one question, “Any unused parts left over?”

 

[NTCPrezJB]

Thanks, wife only had one question, “Any unused parts left over?”

If so they were left off thoughtfully and carefully for weight reduction purposes.

 

[Rustneversleeps]

great job man...is that square tool come with the bike or is it purchased ...first time i heard of brass pads would that be like brass on steel...

 

[SXSHP500CO]

Thanks for all the pix. Making it easy

 

[Mudder]

great job man...is that square tool come with the bike or is it purchased ...first time i heard of brass pads would that be like brass on steel...

Ordered caliper tool from link.

 

[Mudder]

great job man...is that square tool come with the bike or is it purchased ...first time i heard of brass pads would that be like brass on steel...

This thread is how I learned about them. Seem to be doing fine. P500 - Brass brake pads

 

[Chooglin]

Nicely done @Mudder , thanks for taking the time to put this together

 

[JJdog]

1600 miles, muddy riding. Pic show front pads worn out but rear pads looked good. I will not likely go through the effort of the rear pads again until I go through at least two future sets of front pads.

Edits and tips welcomed to help make this thread helpful to others.

Some related links, Thanks to @ehart814 and @Hondasxs for threads, @DG Rider for tool link.
P500 - How to: Pioneer 500 front brake pad replacement (very detailed)
P500 - Rear brake pads
Caliper Tool.
https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Brake-Piston-Remover-Drive/dp/B00YFT1SXU/?tag=sxsweb24-20

View attachment 106653

Great photos and explanation.
One tip I might offer-The slider pins on the calipers should be pulled out from their little boots and cleaned and regreased. You should be able to just pull them out as the boot ends seat in a groove on the pin. Over time you get water and crud in there and the slider pins will stick and so the pad doesn't retract when you let off the brakes. This causes premature or uneven wear of the pads. There are many brands of grease suitable, it is usually called "Disc Brake Grease" and it is compatible with the rubber boots. You can see the pins and rubber boots in your photos. I hope my explanation makes sense.

 

[Bastardchild]

Great job man! I'll have to try it that way next time. I normally remove the 2 bolts holding the whole caliper to the knuckle and flip the caliper upside down pull the old pads out, stick the new pads in, then stick 2 boxed-end wrench heads between the new pads and squeeze the wrench handles together and it spreads the new pads apart by pushing the piston in so I can slip it back over the rotor. Then I bolt it back on with the 2 bolts. I also havent tried the brass pads yet either, I need to do that. Excellent write up!

 

[futzin]

Are the rear brake pads visually inspectable without disassembly?
They don't seem to be.