How to Change Brake Pads on a 1991 Honda CT70 Dirt Bike

Shop parts for a 1991 Honda CT70 Dirt Bike.

Why Keep Your CT70 Brakes in Top Shape

Good braking matters for control and safety whether you ride trail sections, short motocross loops, or neighborhood runs on your CT70. Worn pads reduce stopping power, increase stopping distance, and can damage the rotor. Regular inspection and timely pad replacement keep braking predictable and avoid bigger repairs.

Quick Brake System Overview

Most modern dirt bikes, including discussions around the CT70 category, use hydraulic disc brakes where a brake lever or pedal activates a master cylinder that pressurizes brake fluid through a line to the caliper. The caliper squeezes pads against a steel rotor to slow the wheel. Key components you'll see while changing pads:

  • Brake lever (front) or pedal (rear)
  • Master cylinder and hydraulic line
  • Brake caliper
  • Brake pads and retaining pins/clips
  • Brake rotor (disc)

Signs Your CT70 Needs New Brake Pads

  • Reduced braking power or longer stopping distances
  • Squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises when braking
  • Excessive lever or pedal travel before the brakes bite
  • Visible pad material worn thin – backing plate showing
  • Heat discoloration, scoring, or grooving on the rotor

Inspect pads after muddy rides, long trail days, or if you notice any of the symptoms above. Replace pads at the first clear sign of significant wear.

Tools & Supplies You'll Need

  • Socket or wrench set for axle & caliper bolts
  • Screwdrivers or pliers for retaining clips
  • Needle-nose pliers and a punch or small drift
  • Brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol & clean rags
  • New brake pads sized for a 1991 Honda CT70
  • Rubber gloves and safety glasses
  • Small C-clamp or piston tool for compressing caliper piston

Step-by-Step – Changing Brake Pads on a CT70

  1. Prepare the bike and workspace. Park on level ground, ensure the engine is off, and block the bike so it won't move. Have good lighting and a clean, flat work surface.
  2. Support the bike safely. Use a center stand, paddock stand, or quality block under the frame so the wheel can spin freely. Do not rely on the kickstand if you'll remove a wheel.
  3. Decide if you need to remove the wheel. Depending on caliper design, you may be able to change pads without removing the wheel. If access is tight, loosen and remove the axle and slide the wheel out carefully.
  4. Remove retaining hardware. Find the pad retaining pin or clip on the caliper. Use pliers or a punch to remove the pin/clip. Keep small parts aside in order.
  5. Slide old pads out. Pull the worn pads straight out of the caliper. Note pad orientation and any shims so you install new pads the same way.
  6. Inspect rotor and caliper internals. Check the rotor for grooving, heat marks, or excessive runout. Look inside the caliper for debris, leaks, or damaged seals. Clean dust and mud with brake cleaner and a rag.
  7. Compress the caliper piston(s). Before installing new, thicker pads you must push the piston(s) back into the caliper bore. Remove the fluid reservoir cap to relieve pressure, then use a C-clamp or piston tool to slowly compress the piston until it sits flush. Wipe any overflow fluid from the reservoir.
  8. Install new pads. Fit the new pads into the caliper in the correct orientation. Ensure any anti-rattle shims or tabs are positioned as the old ones were.
  9. Reinstall retaining pin/clip. Refit the pin and secure the clip. Confirm the pin is snug and the pads are held firmly without binding the piston.
  10. Reinstall wheel if removed. Slide the wheel back into place, align the axle, and torque axle and any pinch bolts to a firm, even setting. Ensure the rotor sits centered between pad faces and the caliper bolts are tightened to secure the caliper.
  11. Restore hydraulic pressure. With the reservoir cap closed, pump the brake lever or pedal several times until a firm lever return is achieved and the pads contact the rotor. Check fluid level and top off if needed.
  12. Test operation at low speed. On private property, perform several light stops to confirm braking feels consistent before returning to normal riding.

Helpful Inspection Tips While You're In There

  • Check rotor thickness and flatness – small score marks are OK but deep grooves or warping means rotor attention.
  • Look for leaking brake fluid around the caliper seals or master cylinder.
  • Ensure the caliper slides freely on its mounting pins; seized sliders can cause uneven pad wear.
  • Clean mud and grit from the caliper bracket and sliding surfaces so pads seat correctly.
  • Confirm retaining pins, clips, and any spring hardware are present and secure before riding.

Bedding In New Brake Pads

Proper bedding helps new pads mate with the rotor for consistent stopping. Perform 8–12 controlled stops from moderate speed (around walking to low-speed riding for a CT70) without coming to a full panic stop each time. Allow the brakes to cool briefly between sets. Avoid hard or repeated maximum stops for the first 50 miles to prevent glazing or uneven bed-in.

Notes on CT70 Braking Setup & Generational Changes

The CT70 is a small-displacement, youth/trail category bike where braking demands are lower than full-size enduro or motocross machines, but routine pad checks are just as important. If you ride off-road, mud and grit accelerate wear. Some model years or aftermarket upgrades may change rotor size or caliper design; if your CT70's hardware looks different, the basic pad-change steps still apply but expect slight variations in retaining clips, pin style, or piston count.

Final Checks

  • Confirm lever/pedal feel is firm and consistent after pumping.
  • Re-check axle and caliper fasteners after a short test ride.
  • Keep an eye on brake fluid level and pad thickness in the days after replacement.

Replacing pads is a straightforward maintenance task that keeps your 1991 Honda CT70 stopping reliably. Regular inspection, correct installation, and a proper bed-in will restore braking performance and extend rotor life.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Pads for a 1991 Honda CT70 Dirt Bike.

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Shop Brake Lines for a 1991 Honda CT70 Dirt Bike.

Shop Brake Bleeders for a 1991 Honda CT70 Dirt Bike.

Shop Brake Tools for a 1991 Honda CT70 Dirt Bike.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.