You bicycle is an intricate machine that constitutes a plethora of parts and components. Your braking system is one of them.
These brakes have pads that help slow your bike down. But how can you tell when their time is up? Read on to discover when to replace bicycle disc brake pads and understand more about how they work.
How do Disc Brake Pads Even Work?
Disc brakes are located at the center of each of your bike’s wheels and are attached to something called a caliper. Their main purpose is to help bring your bicycle to a halt whenever they’re triggered.
These have levers which, when activated, releases hydraulic fluid which is pushed down a hose into the calipers. This reaches the pads which rub against the bike’s disc or hub-based rotor causing your bike to achieve deceleration and consequently stop.
It’s easy to see that brake pads are essential to your bike’s ability to stop when necessary. But how can you tell if they’re worn out? The next section explains the signs of poor brake performance, which may necessitate the replacement of the pads.
Signs Your Brake Pads Are Worn Out
It’s obvious that, like most things, your brake pads aren’t going to function perfectly forever. They can wear out by getting thinner and less effective from all the stopping you do while riding.
Oftentimes, the pads of your disc brake are way thinner than those of rim brakes. They are usually around 3-4 millimeters thick. When they wear out, their thickness can fall to around less than a millimeter which certainly is concerning.
Moreover, let’s dive into some tell-tale signs that your pads are ready for a replacement:
Longer Brake Lever Squeeze
Usually, pressing the brakes lightly does the job of slowing your bike down.
However, if you find yourself pulling the lever closer to the handlebar than usual, it’s likely that the brake pads have worn down. This means they are too thin, and more pressure must be exerted to ensure they reach the wheels.
Less Stopping Power
If that isn’t the case, pay attention to what happens when you press the brakes. If you’re pushing the brake lever really hard, but your bike seems to take longer to stop, it’s a sign that the pads aren’t as great as they used to be.
If a quick clean doesn’t help, you may need to replace your brake pads.
Noisy Brakes
Next, keep your ears open when you press the brakes. If they make even the faintest bit of squeaky noise, you can assume that they need to be checked immediately.
This is because brakes aren’t supposed to be heard. The sounds may suggest that your pads have worn down too much, and the metal parts might be touching your bike’s wheels.
So don’t forget to inspect your braking system and look for issues to ensure your safety and that of everybody else.
What Makes Your Brakes Wear Out Faster?
Now you know how you can tell if your bike’s brake pads need to be replaced. However, it’s essential to understand the reason behind it all.
Here are a few factors that can affect the pads’ lifespan and cause them to wear out.
Weather
Weather can not only cause rust on your bicycle, it also greatly impacts the longevity of your disc pad brakes.
Dry conditions can be harsh, as dust circulates in the air and settles on your pads. This causes them to wear down from the gritty friction.
Wet weather isn’t much better either. When it rains, your brakes can become packed with mud and tiny pebbles. This acts like sandpaper, grinding away at your pads every time you slow down.
Tough Terrain
If you ride across hills, stony paths, or uneven roads, then it’s likely that your brake pads won’t fare too well.
Frequent braking, especially on such terrain, means your pads are working overtime. This can shorten their life, making them wear out faster than if you were cruising on smooth, flat ground.
Remember that making frequent descents can also contribute to the wear and tear of your pads.
Pad Material
Your pad material can also determine the overall lifespan of your brake pads.
They can either be organic or sintered. Organic pads, which are softer, tend to wear out faster because they aren’t as resilient.
On the other hand, metallic or sintered pads are more durable and last longer. Some brake pads are made from a combination of materials, aiming to balance longevity with good performance. So aim to get these if the your pad’s material seems to be the issue.
Bike and Rider Style
The ‘ruggedness’ of your bike and the way you ride it are also of utmost importance.
If you enjoy a more aggressive ride or own a heavier bike like an electric one, your pads may wear down at a quicker rate. Heavier bikes and riders put more pressure on the brakes, leading to increased wear and tear.
Dirty Pads
Last but not least, keep an eye out for contaminants.
If grease, cleaning agents, or brake fluid get onto your pads, they can damage the material. Contaminated pads often can’t grip the wheel properly, which makes them less effective and wear out prematurely.
Grab some isopropyl alcohol or soapy water and a lint-free microfiber towel and begin cleaning your bike’s rotor and brake calipers. Remember, a clean brake is a healthy one.
Understanding the reasons behind your braking system not working is essential to narrow down some possible solutions to correct the issue.
How to Replace Worn Out Brake Pads? A Step-By-Step Guide
Let’s say you’ve already checked your braking system, troubleshot for faults, and tried everything you can to resuscitate it, but it hasn’t budged. Well, in this case, it’s probably time to replace the pads.
Below is a step-by-step guide that takes you through the entire process of changing your brake pads.
Start by removing the wheel. Make sure that you don’t actuate the brakes, as this could cause damage to the piston seals.
Then, manually retract the caliper pistons using a plastic tire lever. If you only have a flathead screwdriver, don’t worry. Simply leverage it against the pad and backing plate from each side.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Just look for a security pin that goes through each pad’s backing plate and pull your pads out.
After you’re done, carefully push the caliper pistons back into the caliper.
Clean the caliper and the area around it to make sure it’s free of dirt and debris.
Proceed to install the new pads. Make sure to get ones that are compatible with your brakes to ensure long-lasting functionality. Simply place the retraction springs between the pads, pinch the outside of the backing plates, and slide them into the caliper. Refrain from touching the pad compound to avoid contaminating it.
Reinstall the security pin and the bike’s wheels. Before you start biking, take your bike out for a test ride to make sure the brakes are working perfectly by accelerating the bike and hitting the brakes to see if it stops as expected.
Wrapping It Up
We have finally reached the culmination of this comprehensive guide to understanding when your bike brake pads need replacing.
Remember, safety is way more important than the rapture one feels when riding a bike at high speeds. Without a proper braking system, your bike is practically nugatory.
So make sure to look after your bike, make sure that all of it’s components, including the brakes, are functioning like they should, and enjoy your biking experience henceforth!
