How to Change Brake Pads on a 2016 Honda CRF110F Dirt Bike

Shop parts for a 2016 Honda CRF110F Dirt Bike.

Quick overview & why it matters

The 2016 Honda CRF110F is a 110cc youth trail bike that still demands dependable brakes for safe control on trails and light off-road terrain. Most modern dirt bikes including the 2016 CRF110F use hydraulic disc brakes – a brake lever or pedal pushes fluid through a master cylinder and hydraulic line to a caliper that squeezes pads against a steel rotor. Keeping pads in good shape preserves stopping power, reduces rotor wear, and helps you stay in control during trail or motocross-style riding.

When to replace brake pads & common symptoms

  • Reduced braking power or longer stopping distances
  • Squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises when braking
  • Excessive brake lever or pedal travel before resistance
  • Visible pad material worn thin – less than 1-2 mm of friction material
  • Blueing or heat discoloration on the rotor surface

Inspect pads after muddy rides, wet conditions, or extended sessions. Youth bikes like the CRF110F see varied use, so check pads more often if the bike is ridden frequently.

Brake system components & how they work

  • Brake lever or pedal – the rider input.
  • Master cylinder & reservoir – creates hydraulic pressure.
  • Hydraulic line – transfers fluid to the caliper.
  • Brake caliper – contains piston(s) that push pads.
  • Brake pads – friction material that presses on the rotor.
  • Brake rotor (disc) – steel disc attached to the wheel.

When you squeeze the lever or press the pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the caliper piston(s) to push the pads against the rotor, converting kinetic energy to heat and slowing the bike.

Tools & prep

  • Basic hand tools: socket set, open-end wrenches, pliers
  • Screwdriver or punch for retaining pins/clips
  • Clean rags, isopropyl alcohol or brake cleaner
  • New brake pads sized for a 2016 Honda CRF110F
  • Wheel stand or rear paddock (support the bike securely)
  • Optional: small C-clamp or piston tool to compress caliper

Step-by-step – change the brake pads

  1. Prepare the bike and workspace. Park on level ground, block the bike so it won't roll, and gather tools. Wear gloves and eye protection.
  2. Support the bike. Use a stand that lifts the wheel with the brake you're working on free to rotate. For the CRF110F – being a youth trail bike – you may be able to access the front pads without full wheel removal depending on caliper design; remove the wheel if access is limited.
  3. Remove the retaining pin or clip. Locate the caliper retaining pin/clip that holds the pads. Remove the cotter pin, snap ring, or retaining clip with pliers or a punch. Keep hardware organized.
  4. Slide out the old pads. Pull the pads straight out of the caliper bracket. Note pad orientation and any wear indicators. If pads stick, gently pry them free with care not to damage the piston seal.
  5. Inspect rotor and caliper. Check the rotor surface for deep grooves, heat discoloration, or excessive wear. Look for dirt, pebbles, or debris in the caliper. Also check for fluid leaks around piston seals or brake lines.
  6. Compress the caliper piston(s). Before installing new, thicker pads you must push the piston(s) back into the caliper. Use a clean rag over the piston and a C-clamp or piston tool to slowly compress the piston flush with the caliper bore. Keep the brake fluid reservoir cap closed or monitor fluid level to avoid overfilling the reservoir.
  7. Install new brake pads. Slide the new pads into the caliper in the same orientation as the removed pads. Make sure any anti-rattle shims or backing plates are installed correctly and that pad friction faces the rotor.
  8. Reinstall retaining hardware. Reinsert the retaining pin or clip and secure it per the original arrangement. Ensure pins and clips are seated and won't work loose under vibration.
  9. Reinstall wheel and torque axle hardware. If you removed the wheel, reinstall and tighten the axle and any pinch bolts to the correct tightness. Spin the wheel to ensure it rotates freely without the pads dragging.
  10. Restore hydraulic pressure. Pump the brake lever or pedal several times until firm to seat the pads against the rotor and to restore proper lever feel. Check the reservoir fluid level and top off if needed.
  11. Final check. With the bike supported, apply the brake and confirm no abnormal noises, no dragging, and normal lever/pedal travel.

Helpful inspection tips while you're in there

  • Check rotor thickness & flatness – minor surface scoring is normal, but deep grooves or warping mean rotor service or replacement.
  • Look for fluid leaks around the caliper piston boot and hose fittings.
  • Ensure the caliper slides freely on its pins or mounting points; sticky slides cause uneven pad wear.
  • Clean mud and grit from the caliper bracket and between pads; abrasive debris accelerates wear.
  • Confirm retaining pin and clip engagement each time; a loose pin can lead to pad movement or loss.

Bedding in new pads

Perform a simple bedding routine: on a quiet stretch of trail, accelerate to a moderate speed and do 8-10 controlled stops from about walking to moderate pace, allowing pads and rotor to cool between hard applications. Avoid repeated hard stops from high speed for the first few miles. Bedding helps transfer a thin, even layer of pad material to the rotor for consistent performance.

Notes for CRF110F owners

The 2016 Honda CRF110F is a small-displacement trail/youth machine with braking needs that differ from full-size motocross or enduro bikes. Brake pads wear differently under frequent low-speed trail use versus hard motocross stops. If you ride in muddy or sandy conditions, check pads more often. There were no major caliper redesigns widely noted for this year, so the steps above apply directly to the 2016 CRF110F; minor variations in pin type or caliper access can occur across generations, so adapt the order of wheel removal versus caliper work as needed.

Keeping pads fresh on your CRF110F preserves stopping confidence and extends rotor life. Regular inspection and following these practical steps will have you back on the trail quickly with reliable brakes.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Pads for a 2016 Honda CRF110F Dirt Bike.

Shop Brake Rotors for a 2016 Honda CRF110F Dirt Bike.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2016 Honda CRF110F Dirt Bike.

Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2016 Honda CRF110F Dirt Bike.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2016 Honda CRF110F 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.