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How to check and replace disc brake pads · Nov 8, 2026, 4:15 PM by Pedalwise team · reviewed Nov 8, 2026, 4:15 PM by Pedalwise team

First version

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This guide covers checking disc brake pads for wear and swapping them on common hydraulic and cable-pulled calipers. Pads are held in different ways by different brands, so keep your brake's manual handy. On a scooter with disc brakes, use your scooter's manual to see how to reach the caliper. For an overview of brake problems, see [e-bike brakes](/wiki/e-bike-brakes).

! Don't ride a bike with weak or unreliable brakes. Shimano says that if the lever feels sluggish or gives no resistance, stop using the brakes and see a professional ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)).

! E-bikes are usually heavier than regular bikes and speed up quickly, so Bosch advises learning how yours handles and brakes, and checking the brakes regularly ([Bosch eBike guide](https://www.bosch-ebike.com/fileadmin/EBC/Service/Downloads/Broschueren/MY2023/Bosch-eBike-Guide-MY2023-US.pdf?_=1681830946)).

## Before you start

- Find your brake's make and model. Shimano's dealer manuals cover pad fitting for its brakes ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)), and SRAM's user manual covers its pads ([SRAM user manual](https://www.sram.com/globalassets/document-hierarchy/user-manuals/sram-mtb/brakes-and-shifters/mtb-disc-brakes-and-shifters-user-manual-eeu.pdf)).

- Get the right pads. Park Tool suggests asking a shop, checking the caliper maker's site, or matching the shape of your old pads ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).

- Pick a pad material. Park Tool compares organic, metallic and semi-metallic pads: organic pads give the strongest initial bite and are easiest on rotors, while metallic pads last longest in dry and wet riding. Some rotor and pad pairings don't work together, so check the warnings on the parts or packaging ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).

### Step 1: Check pad wear

- Let the brakes cool before you measure ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)).

- Measure the friction material, not the metal backing. Park Tool's general rule is at least 1 mm of pad material, and three stacked business cards make a rough 1 mm gauge ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).

- Maker limits differ. Shimano says replace its pads at 0.5 mm or less ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)). SRAM says replace when pad and backing plate together measure 3 mm or less, and to check monthly ([SRAM user manual](https://www.sram.com/globalassets/document-hierarchy/user-manuals/sram-mtb/brakes-and-shifters/mtb-disc-brakes-and-shifters-user-manual-eeu.pdf)).

- A metal on metal grinding sound means the pads are worn out. Shimano says replace them right away to avoid rotor damage ([Shimano maintenance tips](https://bike.shimano.com/en-NA/stories/article/spring-cleaning-and-maintenance.html)).

- Squeal, extra lever effort, or a dark rotor and pads that smear when touched can mean the pads are contaminated ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)). Oil on the pads is a reason to replace them ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)).

[photo] A worn pad next to a new pad, showing how much friction material is left on each

### Step 2: Remove the wheel

- Put the bike in a stand and remove the wheel ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)). If the wheel has a hub motor, see fixing a flat on a rear hub motor wheel for how to take it out.

- On hydraulic brakes, don't squeeze the lever with the wheel out. The pistons will push out and need resetting ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).

### Step 3: Take out the old pads

- Note how each part sits before you remove it, because fitting is the reverse ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)). A phone photo helps.

- Park Tool describes the common retention styles: a cotter pin you straighten and pull, a pin clip that comes off before the pin, magnets, clips that can need real force, and springs that come out with the pads ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).

- Shimano calipers use a snap ring or split pin on the pad pin ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)).

[photo] An open caliper with the pad pin, clip and spring laid out in order on a clean rag

### Step 4: Reset the pistons or adjusters

- Hydraulic: press the pistons back with a flat, non-marring tool such as a piston press or tire lever ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)). Shimano says clean the pistons first and never push them with a sharp tool ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)).

- Some Shimano calipers have ceramic pistons, so press evenly ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).

- Mechanical: turn the pad adjuster counterclockwise until it stops ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).

### Step 5: Fit the new pads

- Reverse the removal order. Springs can have a right way up, usually shown on the pad packaging. Press pads and spring in until they click, which can take a few tries ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).

- Bend a cotter pin well so it can't slide out, and refit any pin clip. A threaded pin goes to its torque spec ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)). Shimano gives 2 to 4 Nm for its pad pin bolt ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)).

- A little side to side wiggle in fitted pads is normal ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).

[photo] New pads seated in the caliper with the spring in place and the pin secured

### Step 6: Refit the wheel and set the pads

- Refit the wheel and make sure it is fully seated ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)).

- Hydraulic: pump the lever until it feels firm and the pads meet the rotor, then spin the wheel and check for rub ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation), [Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)).

- Mechanical: realign the caliper after fitting new pads ([Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)). See [adjusting mechanical disc brakes](/wiki/adjust-mechanical-disc-brakes).

### Step 7: Bed in and test

- New pads need bedding in before they reach full power ([SRAM](https://support.sram.com/hc/en-us/articles/5927338428571-What-is-the-bed-in-procedure-for-SRAM-brakes)). Shimano notes braking force builds gradually after new pads ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)). Follow [bedding in disc brakes](/wiki/bed-in-disc-brakes).

- Before riding, work the lever a few times to confirm the brake works normally ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)).

## When to get a pro

- Oil or brake fluid on the pads, caliper or lever. Shimano says consult a dealer if oil reaches the pads ([Shimano dealer manual](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)), and oil on calipers or levers means the system needs repair ([Shimano maintenance tips](https://bike.shimano.com/en-NA/stories/article/spring-cleaning-and-maintenance.html)).

- A lever that stays soft or spongy after the swap. See [bleeding hydraulic disc brakes](/wiki/bleed-hydraulic-disc-brakes) and [when to call a pro](/wiki/when-to-call-a-pro).

## Sources

- [Disc brake pad removal and installation, Park Tool](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/disc-brake-pad-removal-installation)

- [Hydraulic disc brake dealer's manual DM-MBBR001, Shimano](https://si.shimano.com/en/pdfs/dm/MBBR001/DM-MBBR001-04-ENG.pdf)

- [MTB disc brakes and shifters user manual, SRAM](https://www.sram.com/globalassets/document-hierarchy/user-manuals/sram-mtb/brakes-and-shifters/mtb-disc-brakes-and-shifters-user-manual-eeu.pdf)

- [Spring cleaning and maintenance, Shimano](https://bike.shimano.com/en-NA/stories/article/spring-cleaning-and-maintenance.html)

- [What is the bed in procedure for SRAM brakes, SRAM](https://support.sram.com/hc/en-us/articles/5927338428571-What-is-the-bed-in-procedure-for-SRAM-brakes)

- [eBike guide, Bosch eBike Systems](https://www.bosch-ebike.com/fileadmin/EBC/Service/Downloads/Broschueren/MY2023/Bosch-eBike-Guide-MY2023-US.pdf?_=1681830946)

Stuck after these checks? [Find a shop near you](/find), or if you're in Austin, [book a Pedalwise tech](/book).

This version

Check disc brake pad wear against Park Tool, Shimano and SRAM limits, then remove and fit new pads on hydraulic or cable disc calipers.

Don't ride a bike with weak or unreliable brakes. Shimano says that if the lever feels sluggish or gives no resistance, stop using the brakes and see a professional (Shimano dealer manual).

E-bikes are usually heavier than regular bikes and speed up quickly, so Bosch advises learning how yours handles and brakes, and checking the brakes regularly (Bosch eBike guide).

Before you start

Find your brake's make and model. Shimano's dealer manuals cover pad fitting for its brakes (Shimano dealer manual), and SRAM's user manual covers its pads (SRAM user manual).
Get the right pads. Park Tool suggests asking a shop, checking the caliper maker's site, or matching the shape of your old pads (Park Tool).
Pick a pad material. Park Tool compares organic, metallic and semi-metallic pads: organic pads give the strongest initial bite and are easiest on rotors, while metallic pads last longest in dry and wet riding. Some rotor and pad pairings don't work together, so check the warnings on the parts or packaging (Park Tool).

1Check pad wear

Let the brakes cool before you measure (Shimano dealer manual).
Measure the friction material, not the metal backing. Park Tool's general rule is at least 1 mm of pad material, and three stacked business cards make a rough 1 mm gauge (Park Tool).
Maker limits differ. Shimano says replace its pads at 0.5 mm or less (Shimano dealer manual). SRAM says replace when pad and backing plate together measure 3 mm or less, and to check monthly (SRAM user manual).
A metal on metal grinding sound means the pads are worn out. Shimano says replace them right away to avoid rotor damage (Shimano maintenance tips).
Squeal, extra lever effort, or a dark rotor and pads that smear when touched can mean the pads are contaminated (Park Tool). Oil on the pads is a reason to replace them (Shimano dealer manual).

Photo needed: A worn pad next to a new pad, showing how much friction material is left on each.

2Remove the wheel

Put the bike in a stand and remove the wheel (Park Tool). If the wheel has a hub motor, see fixing a flat on a rear hub motor wheel for how to take it out.
On hydraulic brakes, don't squeeze the lever with the wheel out. The pistons will push out and need resetting (Park Tool).

3Take out the old pads

Note how each part sits before you remove it, because fitting is the reverse (Park Tool). A phone photo helps.
Park Tool describes the common retention styles: a cotter pin you straighten and pull, a pin clip that comes off before the pin, magnets, clips that can need real force, and springs that come out with the pads (Park Tool).
Shimano calipers use a snap ring or split pin on the pad pin (Shimano dealer manual).

Photo needed: An open caliper with the pad pin, clip and spring laid out in order on a clean rag.

4Reset the pistons or adjusters

Hydraulic: press the pistons back with a flat, non-marring tool such as a piston press or tire lever (Park Tool). Shimano says clean the pistons first and never push them with a sharp tool (Shimano dealer manual).
Some Shimano calipers have ceramic pistons, so press evenly (Park Tool).
Mechanical: turn the pad adjuster counterclockwise until it stops (Park Tool).

5Fit the new pads

Reverse the removal order. Springs can have a right way up, usually shown on the pad packaging. Press pads and spring in until they click, which can take a few tries (Park Tool).
Bend a cotter pin well so it can't slide out, and refit any pin clip. A threaded pin goes to its torque spec (Park Tool). Shimano gives 2 to 4 Nm for its pad pin bolt (Shimano dealer manual).
A little side to side wiggle in fitted pads is normal (Park Tool).

Photo needed: New pads seated in the caliper with the spring in place and the pin secured.

6Refit the wheel and set the pads

Refit the wheel and make sure it is fully seated (Park Tool).
Hydraulic: pump the lever until it feels firm and the pads meet the rotor, then spin the wheel and check for rub (Park Tool, Shimano dealer manual).
Mechanical: realign the caliper after fitting new pads (Park Tool). See adjusting mechanical disc brakes.

7Bed in and test

New pads need bedding in before they reach full power (SRAM). Shimano notes braking force builds gradually after new pads (Shimano dealer manual). Follow bedding in disc brakes.
Before riding, work the lever a few times to confirm the brake works normally (Shimano dealer manual).

When to get a pro

Oil or brake fluid on the pads, caliper or lever. Shimano says consult a dealer if oil reaches the pads (Shimano dealer manual), and oil on calipers or levers means the system needs repair (Shimano maintenance tips).
A lever that stays soft or spongy after the swap. See bleeding hydraulic disc brakes and when to call a pro.

Sources

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you, or if you're in Austin, book a Pedalwise tech.

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