How to Change Avid Brake Pads

Avid brakes are a high-end brake set specifically designed for mountain-biking applications. Avid makes disc brakes, hydraulic rim brakes and cable-actuated rim brakes. Each type of brake has its own specific type of pad, but there are essentially two different ways to change Avid brake pads on your mountain bike. There is no need to take your bike to the shop to change out its pads, as this can quickly and easily be done at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Allen-wrench set
  • New brake pads
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Instructions

  1. Change Disc Brakes

    • 1

      Flip the bicycle over so that the seat and handlebars rest on the ground and hold the bike up.

    • 2

      Loosen the quick release on the front wheel and then slide the wheel out of the front fork stanchions. Use the needle-nosed pliers to grab the small tab on the bottom of each brake pad sitting in the caliper.

    • 3

      Pull to the side and upward to release and remove the pad. Repeat this process for the other pad (they are magnetized). Slide the new pads in place inside the caliper, making sure that their tabs slide back in the small slot on top of each side of the brake caliper.

    • 4

      Insert the wheel back in place in the fork stanchions and tighten down the quick release. Repeat this process for the rear wheel and then flip the bike over for a test ride.

    Change Rim Brakes

    • 5

      Loosen or unclip the brake cable or hydraulic line running to the brakes you are working on.

    • 6

      Use the Allen wrenches to loosen the mounting bolt located on the side of the brake pad on one of the rear brakes.

    • 7

      Slide the brake pad out of the rear brake mount. Slide the new brake in place and tighten down with the Allen wrench. Repeat for the opposite side and then close the brakes and connect the cable or hydraulic line again.

    • 8

      Repeat steps 1-3 for the front brakes then take the bike for a slow test ride.