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Easy Mountainbike brake pad change - we show you how it's done!
You can't avoid occasional brake pad changes as a mountain biker. We'll show you how to change your brake pads and what you should pay attention to, so that your new brake pads don't grind on your brake disc and wear out evenly.
Have fun!
Some advice before we start
- When should you change your brake pads? At the latest when your brake pads are braked to the spring or clasp. If you wait too long, you will soon brake on the metallic carrier plate and damage your brake discs. You should also change your brake pads if they are heavily oiled. Often, the oil can't be removed completely, which results in an impaired brake performance.
- Sintered metal or organic? It depends on your individual riding needs and you have to find out for yourself. Basically: Sintered brake pads wear out slower and are more resistant to heat than organic pads, but they tend to squeak when braking. It is also harder to control your braking power with sintered pads than it is with organic ones. Just give it a try!
- We'll show you the process of changing your MTB brake pads on a hydraulic four-piston brake from SRAM. Basically, you can apply the steps without problems to other brake models. If there are any problems with the change, you can always contact our customer support.
Got it? Great! Then let´s get started!
1. Preparation
- Loosen the locking screw of your brake pads and loosen your brake caliper from the brake disc adapter.
- Push your brake pistons back into the caliper as far as possible.
Hint:Use your old brake pads to push back, so your pistons are spared. - Check the negotiability of your brake pistons by carefully pulling the brake lever. Do the pistons move smoothly? Are individual pistons solid or heavily filthy?
2. Installation and alignment of the new brake pads
- Insert the new brake pads into the caliper. Make sure that the brake pads and brake discs don't come into contact with oil.
- Align the brake caliper so that your brake disc turns smoothly between the brake pads and fasten it.
- Now press the brake several times until it stops and check whether the wheel can still be turned without
grinding.
Hint: Slight grinding of the new brake pads is normal. After some braking, however, the grinding should disappear by itself. In particular, make sure that the brake pads press evenly on the brake disc from the beginning.
3. Function check
Before you hit the trails, you MUST make a function test of your brakes. New brake pads must be retracted and work only after proper braking as they should.
If your brake doesn't work as desired, first check the condition of your brake discs and thoroughly clean them with break cleaner. If necessary, you also have to bleed your brake.
If your brake continues to cause problems, be sure to find a professional mechanic before you go to the trails!
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