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Previous:
How to Maintain Bike Brakes

Next:
How to Fix a Bike Chain

How to Replace Bike Brake Pads

If you discover that your bike’s brake pads are worn, replace them immediately. Waiting too long to replace brake pads can cause the metal brake clamps to contact the wheels, which can cause expensive problems, such as bent rims.

How to Buy Replacement Brake Pads

Bring your bike to a shop and ask for help finding pads that fit your brakes. There are two types of brake pads: cartridge and bolt-on. Cartridge pads require no tools to install, whereas bolt-on pads have a bolt that must be unfastened and refastened when changing pads.

Brake pads come in sets of two. Always replace the two pads that attach to each brake clamp at the same time. Since most riders use the rear brakes more often than the front brakes, the rear set of pads tends to wear down more quickly than the front set.

How to Replace the Pads

You don’t need any tools to replace cartridge pads. For bolt-on pads you need:

New brake pads
Allen wrench or screwdriver

Instructions

Disconnect the brakes: Remove the brake cable from the brake clamp by squeezing the brake pads together and pulling the cable free. Some hand brakes also have a lever that you have to pull before the cable can be pulled free.
Remove the brake pads: Use an Allen wrench to unfasten the bolt that secures the pad. For cartridge pads, slide the cartridge out of its clamp.
Attach a new brake pad: Place a new brake pad into the brake clamps, with the grooved side facing the rims. For cartridge pads, just slide the pad into its clamp. For bolt-ons, line up the pad so that it contacts the rim directly when the brake is applied. When you think you’ve got the alignment right, fasten the bolt.
Test the brake pad alignment: Take a short ride to test the new pads. If the pad doesn’t contact the rim as evenly and completely as possible, you may need to adjust the angle at which the pad rests. Some brakes have washers that need to be loosened or tightened in order to adjust the angle. Others require you to move the pad manually within its housing before fastening it. If your bike seems to offer no option for adjusting the angle of the pad, consult a bike mechanic for help.
Secure the brake pad: Once you’ve aligned and bolted in one brake successfully, repeat steps 1–4 for every other brake pad.
Reconnect the brakes and check alignment: Place the brake cable back into the brake clamp. Spin the wheel. The rim shouldn’t touch the brake pad.
If the rim touches the brake pads: Check the bolts to make sure they’re fastened as tightly as possible. If the problem persists, consult a bike mechanic.