How To Change Mountain Bike Brake Pads

Brake pads are the part of the brake system that make contact with the wheel rims. They are made of a material that is soft and wear-resistant, such as rubber or cork. Brake pads are typically mounted on either side of a brake caliper, though in some cases they may be mounted to both sides.

Brake pads are typically designed to wear down over time to ensure that there is adequate braking power, but when they become too worn down or damaged, it is necessary to replace them with new ones. This article will discuss how to change mountain bike brake pads.

How often should you change mountain bike brake pads?

You should replace your pads when there’s 1.5mm or less of braking material remaining. If the pads are okay, replace the wheel and keep riding.^[1]

Is it easy to replace brake pads on a bike?

Replacing worn out disc brake pads is an easy process that only requires some common tools and a few minutes of your time. Make sure you replace your disc brake pads whenever they get down to about 1-1.5 mm of pad.^[2]

Do all brake pads fit all bikes?

Like many bike components, disc brake pads come in a range of shapes and sizes to fit different brake models, so the sassy answer is “the ones that fit your brakes”. But there’s more to pad choice than that because pads can be made from a range of different materials.^[3]

How do I know if my brake pads are worn out?

Grinding or squealing noise. If you hear a grinding or squealing noise when you press the brake pedal, it may be because the brake pads are completely worn out. Wear indicator. Spongy Brake Pedal. Longer brake distance. Scratches on the brake rotor surface.^[4]

How do I know if my bike rotors are worn?

One of the most common indicators of worn out brake rotors is rattling, wobbling, or shaking while braking. These vibrations are normally felt through your foot as you apply the brakes, and it is usually indicative of brake rotors that have become warped.^[5]

How long do mountain bike rotors last?

Disc brake rotors will typically last through 2, maybe 3 pairs of brake pads (pad material and riding conditions influences this), but it’s never a bad idea to add a thickness check to any regular maintenance schedule.^[6]

How long does it take to bed-in brakes MTB?

A bed-in process is required in any metallic brake system, including the brakes on a car, and your disc-brake gravel or road bike is no exception. It’s a simple procedure, less than 10 minutes long, and ensures that the first time you really need those discs, they’re working at full strength.^[7]

What happens if you don’t bed-in brakes?

If the pads and rotors have not been bed-in correctly, the mechanism of Abrasive and Adherent friction will not work well and use of the brake system, especially at high temperatures, will result in random and uneven deposits of brake pad material on the rotor surface.^[8]

Is brake bedding necessary?

Bedding in your brakes helps transfer an even layer of brake pad material onto the brake rotor which assists in smoother brake operation and improved braking power. Having a uniform layer of pad material on the brake rotor is essential to minimizing brake squeal and vibration.^[9]

How long do bicycle brake pads last?

So how long do bicycle brake pads really last? So, How Long Do Bicycle Brake Pads Last? Typically, brake pads last anywhere from 500-1000 miles. However, this depends on a variety of factors such as the braking system used and the conditions of the ride itself as in riding in wet or dry conditions.^[10]

How much does it cost to replace bike brakes?

The cost of fixing bike brakes by a professional is around $80 to $150, or higher if you own a non-standard bike frame. The cost of fixing bike brakes by yourself is around $25 to $35.^[11]

How do I know what bike brake pads?

Look at what your brake is called (it’s usually written on the lever reservoir and/or the caliper body) and then find a disc pad of the same name. If the model names don’t quite match or are incomplete, take your exisiing pads out and double-check the shape of them compared to the potential replacement pads’ shape.^[12]