How to Change Brake Pads on a 2020 Honda CRF110F

Shop parts for a 2020 Honda CRF110F Dirt Bike.

Quick brake-system overview

The 2020 Honda CRF110F is a youth trail bike with a 110cc engine that uses a modern hydraulic disc brake setup on the front and a rear disc brake on many configurations. Key components you'll interact with are the brake lever or pedal, master cylinder, hydraulic line, brake caliper, brake pads, and the rotor. When you pull the lever or press the pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the caliper pistons to push the pads against the steel rotor to slow the bike.

When to replace brake pads & why it matters

Good braking is essential for control and confidence, especially on a lightweight 110cc trail bike ridden by newer riders. Replace pads when you see or feel any of the following:

  • Reduced braking power or longer stopping distances
  • Squealing, chirping, or grinding noises when braking
  • Excessive lever or pedal travel before the brakes engage
  • Visible pad material worn thin – less than 1.5-2 mm of friction material
  • Heat discoloration or blueing on the rotor surface

Inspect pads after muddy rides, long trail days, or any sliding crashes that could drag debris into the caliper.

Tools & parts you'll need

  • New brake pads designed for a 2020 Honda CRF110F
  • Basic hand tools: sockets, wrenches, pliers
  • Flat screwdriver or pick to remove retaining clips
  • Small C-clamp or piston compressor tool
  • Clean rags and isopropyl alcohol or brake cleaner
  • Torque wrench (recommended for axle and caliper bolts)

Step-by-step – change the brake pads

The steps below assume a garage or driveway environment with common hand tools. Order can vary slightly depending on whether you remove the wheel for better access.

  1. Prepare the bike and workspace. Park the CRF110F on level ground and choke off the engine. Use a bike stand to lift the wheel off the ground so the wheel spins freely and the caliper is accessible.
  2. Decide if you need to remove the wheel. On many small dirt bikes, you can access the caliper with the wheel mounted. If access is tight, remove the front or rear wheel following basic axle-removal steps and support the fork or swingarm securely.
  3. Remove the retaining pin or clip. Locate the pad retention pin or clip on the caliper. Use pliers or a screwdriver to withdraw the clip and slide the retention pin out. Keep hardware in a small tray.
  4. Slide out the old pads. Pull the worn pads straight out of the caliper bracket. Note pad orientation and any wear patterns for reference.
  5. Inspect the rotor & caliper. Look for deep scoring, cracks, or heat damage on the rotor. Clean the caliper, piston lip, and pad mounting area of mud and grit with a rag and brake cleaner. Check for any brake fluid leaks at the caliper body or banjo bolt.
  6. Compress the caliper pistons. With the old pads removed, push the piston(s) back into the caliper to create clearance for new pads. Use a piston-compression tool or a clean C-clamp. Place an old pad between the clamp and piston to protect the piston surface. Compress slowly until fully seated.
  7. Install the new brake pads. Position the new pads in the caliper in the same orientation as the old ones. Ensure any anti-rattle shims or springs are installed correctly and that pad friction surfaces face the rotor.
  8. Reinstall retaining hardware. Slide the retention pin back through the caliper and secure with the clip. Make sure the pin seats fully and the clip is locked into place.
  9. Reinstall the wheel (if removed). Fit the wheel back into the forks or swingarm, align the axle, torque axle and pinch bolts to the proper spec for the CRF110F, and make sure the rotor centers between the pads without rubbing.
  10. Restore hydraulic pressure. With the bike on the ground and wheels aligned, slowly pump the brake lever or pedal several times until firm pressure returns and the lever engages near its normal position.
  11. Test for proper operation. Spin the wheel and apply the brake lightly to confirm the pads contact the rotor evenly. Check again for any fluid leaks or unusual noises.

Helpful inspection tips while you're in there

  • Rotor thickness & surface – light surface marks are normal; deep grooves or warping mean replacement or resurfacing is required.
  • Caliper freedom – sliding calipers should move on their guide pins easily. Clean and lightly grease the pins where they contact rubber slides (not the piston).
  • Fluid checks – look for seepage around the caliper seals or the banjo bolt. Any leak requires attention before riding.
  • Pad hardware & fitment – make sure pads sit flush and the retaining pin and clips are clean, straight, and secure.

Bedding in new pads

Proper bedding helps the pad and rotor form an even transfer layer for predictable stopping. On a safe stretch of road or trail, perform about 8-12 gradual stops from moderate speed to slow speed, allowing the brakes to cool between stops. Finish with a few firmer stops to confirm bite. Avoid repeated hard stops until the pads have cooled and initial bedding is complete.

Final checks before riding

  • Confirm brake lever/pedal feel is firm and consistent.
  • Verify no dragging or excessive heat after a short test ride.
  • Re-check retaining hardware and axle torque after the first ride.

Notes on CRF110F braking setups

The 2020 Honda CRF110F is a youth trail bike and uses scaled-down components compared with larger motocross or enduro machines, but it still relies on hydraulic disc brakes with calipers that squeeze pads against a steel rotor. Brake demands are lower on 110cc bikes, but proper pad condition is crucial for confidence and safety. If you've got a model with different rotor diameter or caliper detail, the pad shape or retention method may vary slightly — the general procedure above still applies.

Related Shopping Categories

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Shop Brake Tools for a 2020 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.