How to Change Bicycle Brake Pads

Brake pads wear down with use. Replacing them before they’re fully worn protects your rims or rotors and keeps braking strong.

The short answer: For rim brakes: remove the retaining pin or clip, slide out old pads, insert new pads, reinstall the pin. For disc brakes: remove the wheel, push the pistons back with a plastic tire lever or pad spreader, remove the old pads, install new pads, reinstall the wheel. Organic pads are quieter and gentler on rotors; sintered/metallic pads last longer and work better in wet conditions.

Here’s the step-by-step for both types.

When to Replace Brake Pads

• Wear line — Many pads have a wear indicator groove or line. When the pad is worn to that line, replace.
• Minimum thickness — About 1–2 mm of pad material remaining is often the limit. Thinner pads can damage the rim or rotor.
• Performance — Brakes feel weak, squeal, or take longer to stop.

Rim Brake Pad Replacement

What you need: New pads (match your brake model), hex key or pad-specific tool.

Steps:

1. Open the brake — Squeeze the brake arms to open the pads, or use the quick-release if your brake has one.
2. Remove the retaining pin or clip — Pads are held by a pin, bolt, or clip. Remove it.
3. Slide out the old pads — They may slide out or need a gentle pull.
4. Insert the new pads — Align them in the same position. Many pads have a toe-in (front of pad slightly closer to the rim). Check the old pad orientation if unsure.
5. Reinstall the pin or clip — Secure the pads.
6. Adjust if needed — Squeeze the brake and check pad alignment. Pads should hit the rim flat, not the tire. Use the brake’s adjustment screws if necessary.
7. Test — Spin the wheel and squeeze the brake. Ensure the pads contact the rim cleanly.

Toe-in: Some rim brakes use a slight toe-in (front of the pad closer to the rim) to reduce squeal. A business card or similar thickness under the rear of the pad while tightening can set this.

Disc Brake Pad Replacement

What you need: New pads (match your brake model—Shimano, SRAM, etc. have different shapes), plastic tire lever or pad spreader, hex key.

Steps:

1. Remove the wheel — Gives access to the caliper.
2. Push the pistons back — The pistons extend as pads wear. New pads need more space. Insert a plastic tire lever or dedicated pad spreader between the pads and gently push the pistons back. Don’t use metal—it can scratch the pistons. If one piston moves more than the other, work them evenly.
3. Remove the old pads — Pads are often held by a pin or clip. Remove it and slide the pads out.
4. Install the new pads — Slide them into the caliper. Ensure they’re fully seated.
5. Reinstall the retaining hardware — Pin, clip, or spring, depending on the brake.
6. Reinstall the wheel — Ensure it’s properly seated.
7. Pump the brake lever — The pads will move toward the rotor. Pump until the lever feels firm. The first few stops may feel soft as the pads bed in.
8. Bed in the pads — Do several moderate stops to transfer pad material to the rotor. See How to Fix Bicycle Brake Squeal for bedding-in details.

Caution: Don’t squeeze the brake lever when the wheel is removed—it can push the pistons out too far. If that happens, carefully push them back. If a piston pops out, the brake may need a bleed.

Pad Types: Organic vs Sintered

Choose based on conditions and preference. Many riders use organic for dry trail/road and sintered for wet or aggressive use.

Change Bicycle Brake Pads FAQs

Summary

Rim brakes: remove the pin/clip, swap pads, reinstall. Disc brakes: push pistons back, remove old pads, install new pads, reinstall wheel, pump the lever, and bed in. Use organic for quiet, gentle braking; sintered for durability and wet conditions. Replace before pads are fully worn to protect rims and rotors.