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Added sources and updated by the Pedalwise team
Disc brake pads · Nov 9, 2026, 2:23 PM by Pedalwise team · reviewed Nov 9, 2026, 2:23 PM by Pedalwise team
What changed
4 lines added, 4 removed
2 unchanged lines
## What it's used for
Removed: Park Tool says to replace pads when they are worn, when they are contaminated, or when you want a different pad material ([Park Tool pad guide](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)). It gives a minimum of 1 mm of pad material, roughly three stacked business cards, and says to check the maker's own wear spec ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).
Added: Replace pads when they are worn, when they are contaminated, or when you want a different pad material ([Park Tool pad guide](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)). The minimum is 1 mm of pad material, roughly three stacked business cards. Check the maker's own wear spec too ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).
## What to look for
- **The exact pad for your caliper.** Look up your caliper model on its maker's site, or bring the old pad to a shop. A pad of the same shape will usually fit ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).
Removed: - **A compound that suits your riding.** Park Tool describes organic, semi-metallic and metallic pads, each trading off noise, initial bite, rotor life and pad life in wet and dry conditions ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).
Added: - **A compound that suits your riding.** Pads come in organic, semi-metallic and metallic compounds, each trading off noise, initial bite, rotor life and pad life in wet and dry conditions ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).
- **Rotor compatibility.** Some pad and rotor combinations don't work together, so check the markings on the rotor and the pad packaging ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).
## Using it safely
Removed: - Keep oil, grease and brake fluid off pads. Park Tool notes contamination is often hard to see and shows as squealing, extra lever effort, or a dark surface that smears ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).
Added: - Keep oil, grease and brake fluid off pads. Contamination is often hard to see and shows as squealing, extra lever effort, or a dark surface that smears ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).
- Note how springs and clips sit before removal, and reinstall retaining pins and clips fully ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).
- New pads need bedding in before hard use. See [Bed in disc brakes](/wiki/bed-in-disc-brakes).
5 unchanged lines
- [Shimano B05S-RX resin disc brake pads at REI](https://www.rei.com/product/215641/shimano-b05s-rx-resin-disc-brake-pads): $12.00, checked Nov 9, 2026
Removed: REI lists these for 2-piston calipers. Check that the pad shape matches your caliper model before you buy. Prices change often, and a local shop may match them.
Added: These fit 2-piston calipers. Check that the pad shape matches your caliper model before you buy. Prices change often, and a local shop may match them.
## Videos
13 unchanged lines
This version
Disc brake pads wear with use and can be ruined by oil. Here's when to replace them and how to pick the right ones.
Disc brake pads are the friction blocks inside a disc brake caliper that squeeze the rotor.
What it's used for
Replace pads when they are worn, when they are contaminated, or when you want a different pad material (Park Tool pad guide). The minimum is 1 mm of pad material, roughly three stacked business cards. Check the maker's own wear spec too (Park Tool).
What to look for
- The exact pad for your caliper. Look up your caliper model on its maker's site, or bring the old pad to a shop. A pad of the same shape will usually fit (Park Tool).
- A compound that suits your riding. Pads come in organic, semi-metallic and metallic compounds, each trading off noise, initial bite, rotor life and pad life in wet and dry conditions (Park Tool).
- Rotor compatibility. Some pad and rotor combinations don't work together, so check the markings on the rotor and the pad packaging (Park Tool).
Using it safely
- Keep oil, grease and brake fluid off pads. Contamination is often hard to see and shows as squealing, extra lever effort, or a dark surface that smears (Park Tool).
- Note how springs and clips sit before removal, and reinstall retaining pins and clips fully (Park Tool).
- New pads need bedding in before hard use. See Bed in disc brakes.
Brakes are your most important safety system. If the lever feels soft, the brake drags, or you are unsure of the fit, see E-bike brakes or find a shop.
Best price we found
- Shimano B05S-RX resin disc brake pads at REI: $12.00, checked Nov 9, 2026
These fit 2-piston calipers. Check that the pad shape matches your caliper model before you buy. Prices change often, and a local shop may match them.