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Brake Pad Replacement

  • Updated

Replacement Brake Pads can be purchased at the links below:

See below for a video tutorial on Brake Pad Replacement:

Recommended Tools

  • 5mm hex wrench
  • T15 Torx wrench
  • Piston press
  • Brake fluid
  • Latex/Nitrile gloves
  • Isopropyl alcohol

Removal

  1. Ensure the bike is upright and adequately secured so it will not fall over.

  2. Use a 5mm hex wrench to remove the brake caliper bolts, then remove the brake caliper from the rotor. 
    • For two-piston brakes, be sure to remove the bolt spacers between the brake caliper mount and caliper and put them aside for installation.
    • It is recommended to remove the brake caliper to prevent damage and contamination of the rotor.
    • Do not squeeze either brake lever when the caliper is off the bike or the pistons will need to be pushed back into the caliper with a Piston Press.
    • If your bike comes with black plastic brake pad spacers, install them between the brake pads to prevent any accidental movement of the pads.

  3. Remove the retainer bolt clip (if equipped).

  4. While holding the brake caliper, unscrew the brake pad retainer bolt with a T15 Torx wrench (only for four-piston brakes), then gently remove the pads and holder spring from the brake caliper. If the brake pads are retained with a cotter pin rather than a retainer bolt, straighten the cotter pin ends and remove the pin.
    • Do not touch the new brake pad surfaces with your hands. Contamination of the pads and the disc with oil, grease, or other substances will reduce the braking effectiveness of the brake pads. (and or cause excessive braking noise or squealing) It is recommended to wear latex/nitrile gloves to prevent contamination.
    • Pushing the brake caliper pistons back into the caliper may be necessary to allow proper clearance for the (new) brake pads. Use a Piston Press to gently push the pistons so they sit inside the caliper. It might be necessary to lube the pistons with brake fluid to prevent seal damage or piston drag/sticking. Be sure to clean any excess brake fluid from the caliper and pistons.
    •  It is always recommended to do a visual inspection to determine if the calipers and pistons should be cleaned. Some calipers may also be dirty enough to require cleaning for proper piston performance. Wipe the piston area clean with isopropyl alcohol to clean the piston faces and inside the caliper body.

Installation

  1. Install the pad holder spring between the new pads (on the top of the brake pads as shown).

  2. Position the new pads and holder spring in the caliper. 
    • Be sure the brake pad braking surfaces face each other, as shown. 

  3. Align the retainer bolt with the holes at the top of the brake pads and holder spring. Use the T15 Torx wrench to tighten the bolt (only for four-piston brakes). If the brake pads use a cotter pin rather than a retainer bolt, install the cotter pin and bend the ends back to ensure it is securely retained.

  4.  Install the bolt clip in the groove on the retainer bolt. Some pads might only have a cotter pin (no retainer bolt) which will not use a bolt clip.

  5. Carefully install the brake caliper so the brake pads are aligned on each side of the brake rotor, being careful not to damage the brake pads and rotor.

  6. Install the brake caliper bolts and finger-tighten them.
    • For two-piston brakes, be sure to install the bolt spacers between the brake caliper mount and caliper.

  7. Spin the wheel and squeeze the brake lever. While still squeezing the brake lever, fully tighten the brake caliper bolts using a 5mm hex wrench. (Caution to ensure the safety of hands and fingers as you spin the wheel) This will properly seat your brake pads.

 

Squeaky Brakes: Bedding New Brake Pads

Any time you replace your brake pads, rotors, or both, it is crucial the brakes are properly bedded for optimal performance. This process allows your brake pads to wear evenly as well as remove surface glaze and contamination from installation. The surface glaze on pads may cause “squealing brakes.”

To bed your front brakes properly after replacement, accelerate your bike up to 20mph and then engage your front brake to bring the bike to a near stop. Repeat the process 8-10 times with only the front brake.

After bedding the front brake, do the same process for the rear brake. Accelerate your bike up to 20mph and then engage the rear brake, bringing the bike to a near stop. Repeat the process 8-10 times with only the rear brake.

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