Evolution Softail Brake Caliper Service
Mike RoenDescription
Mike is set up to service the front Softail brake caliper on our 1988 Heritage. A 3/8″ allen is used to remove the upper Softail brake caliper retaining bolt and the lower retaining slide pin. The caliper assembly is released from the left lower slider and can now be lifted from the front rotor.
Mike removes the outer brake pad retainer which allows for the outer brake pad to be removed. Note the orientation of the anti rattle spring clip on the pad retainer. The inner brake pad retainer is then removed which releases the inner pad from its position within the Softail brake caliper assembly.
At this point the brake pads can be cleaned, inspected, and serviced. Or, new pads can be installed if necessary.
If the caliper piston is out too far, it can be pushed back in with a standard C-clamp. Use a small block of wood on the outside of the caliper to avoid marring the finished surface. Be sure to remove the front master cylinder top cover and gasket prior to compressing the piston.
Upon reassembly:
Install the inner pad and pad retainer. Use a drop of blue Loctite on the retaining screw. The upper slide pin is cleaned, lightly greased and reinstalled. Engage the outer pad with the spring clip in the outer pad retainer and install the retainer into the Softail brake caliper body.
Models from 1990 to 1999 have a locating pin on the outer brake pad retainer that must be correctly engaged with a notch that is located in the top slide pin.
Spread a light wipe of grease on the lower retaining slide pin. The caliper can now be slid into position over the front rotor and mounted with the top retaining bolt and bottom retaining slide pin. Retaining hardware is torqued to spec. Mike demonstrates how to flush the front Softail brake caliper system without the aid of a Mighty Vac or Phoenix Injector. The system is bled and the reservoir level is set.
Watch another Evo Front Brake video here.