How to Change Brake Pads on a 1998 Yamaha RT100
Shop parts for a 1998 Yamaha RT100 Dirt Bike.Why fresh pads matter on a 1998 Yamaha RT100
The 1998 Yamaha RT100 is a lightweight trail/youth-style dirt bike with braking needs that match its 100cc displacement – short, predictable stopping power and good feel at the lever or pedal. Most modern dirt bikes, including the RT100, use hydraulic disc brakes with a brake caliper squeezing pads against a steel rotor. Maintaining pad condition preserves braking force, modulation and rider control when accelerating, cornering or descending. Replace worn pads before performance drops or metal-to-metal contact accelerates rotor wear.
Brake system overview
Basic components you'll see on the RT100:
- Brake lever or pedal – the rider input.
- Master cylinder – turns lever/ pedal motion into hydraulic pressure.
- Hydraulic brake line – carries fluid to the caliper.
- Brake caliper – holds and moves the pads.
- Brake pads & backing plates – friction material that contacts the rotor.
- Brake rotor – steel disc attached to the wheel.
Hydraulic pressure pushes the caliper pistons so the pads clamp the rotor and slow the bike.
Signs your RT100 needs new brake pads
- Reduced braking power or longer stopping distance.
- Squealing, high-pitched squeak or grinding noises under braking.
- Excessive lever or pedal travel before engagement.
- Visible pad material worn thin – backing plate showing or pad thickness under 2-3 mm.
- Heat discoloration, scoring or blueing on the rotor surface.
Inspect pads after muddy rides, long sessions or if you feel any of the symptoms above.
Tools and supplies you'll need
- Basic wrench set and sockets
- Pliers or snap-ring pliers for retaining clips
- Screwdriver or pry tool (plastic preferred)
- Brake pad set for 1998 Yamaha RT100
- C-clamp or piston-compressor tool
- Clean shop rags and a small brush
- Brake cleaner (optional) and thread locker (low strength, optional)
Step-by-step – change the brake pads
- Prepare the bike & workspace: Park on level ground, cool brakes down, gather tools and new pads. Work in a clean, bright area and keep small parts contained.
- Secure and support the bike: Use a paddock stand or center stand and ensure the wheel you’re working on can rotate freely. For front pads you may lift the front wheel; for rear pads lift the rear wheel.
- Remove the wheel if needed: On some RT100 caliper setups the wheel can stay on; on others removing the wheel gives better access. Loosen axle hardware, remove the axle and pull the wheel clear if necessary.
- Locate and remove the retaining pin/clip: Inspect the caliper face for the pad pin or spring clip. Remove the external clip or circlip with pliers and slide the retaining pin out. Keep hardware organized for reinstallation.
- Slide the old pads out: Pull the pads and spring out straight from the caliper bracket. Note pad orientation and any shims so you reinstall the new pads the same way.
- Inspect caliper and rotor: Look for deep rotor grooves, heat marks or fluid leaks at the caliper. Clean away dirt, mud and embedded debris with a brush and rag. Light surface scoring is common; heavy scoring may warrant rotor service.
- Compress the caliper piston(s): Before installing new thicker pads you must push the piston(s) back into the caliper. Use a C-clamp or dedicated piston tool across the old pads or against the piston face – do this slowly and evenly to avoid damage. Catch any brake fluid that may back up into the master cylinder reservoir; if fluid rises, remove a small amount with a rag or syringe.
- Fit the new pads: Insert the new pad pair and return spring into the caliper the same way the old pads were oriented. Ensure backing plates face outward and friction material faces the rotor.
- Reinstall retaining pin/clip: Slide the retaining pin through the caliper and engage the clip or circlip. Confirm the pin is fully seated and the clip is secure so pads cannot shift.
- Reinstall the wheel & torque axle hardware: Replace the wheel, align spacers and torque the axle nut to a firm, secure setting. Spin the wheel to ensure it rotates freely without caliper rubbing.
- Restore hydraulic pressure: With the bike on the ground, depress the brake lever or pedal repeatedly until firm pressure returns and the pads contact the rotor. The lever should feel solid within a few pumps.
- Final checks: Verify there are no leaks, bolts are tight and the retaining hardware is correctly installed. Spin the wheel and apply the brake to confirm proper engagement before riding away slowly.
Helpful inspection tips while you’re in there
- Measure rotor thickness and look for deep grooves or warping; slight scoring is normal but heavy damage reduces performance.
- Check around the caliper for leaking brake fluid at seals or banjo fittings.
- Make sure caliper slide pins (if fitted) move freely after cleaning and light lubrication with a brake-specific grease.
- Remove packed mud from the caliper bracket and rotor hat area to avoid pad misalignment or uneven wear.
- Confirm the retaining pin and clips are the correct parts and seated to prevent pad ejection.
Bedding in new brake pads
New pads need a short bedding procedure so they mate to the rotor surface for consistent performance. Perform several controlled stops from moderate speed – accelerate to about 15-25 mph, apply the brake progressively to slow to walking speed, then ride a short distance to cool. Repeat 6-10 times, avoiding full stops from high speed for the first few uses. This builds even pad transfer and restores peak braking power.
Notes on RT100 braking setups — quick awareness
The RT100 is a small-displacement trail/youth dirt bike so braking demands differ from heavier enduro or motocross bikes: less mass means less heat but also less margin for worn pads. If your RT100 has any generational rotor size or caliper differences, the procedure above still applies with minor variations in hardware. Replace pads with parts specified for a 1998 Yamaha RT100 to ensure proper fit and retaining hardware compatibility.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Brake Pads for a 1998 Yamaha RT100 Dirt Bike.
Shop Brake Rotors for a 1998 Yamaha RT100 Dirt Bike.
Shop Brake Lines for a 1998 Yamaha RT100 Dirt Bike.
Shop Brake Bleeders for a 1998 Yamaha RT100 Dirt Bike.
Shop Brake Tools for a 1998 Yamaha RT100 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.
