How to Install Bicycle Brake Pads

While one of the more inexpensive parts of the bicycle, brake pads serve the crucial role of directly slowing the bicycle. Pads wear with use, and require periodic replacing. The pad surface is lined with a series of grooves, which not only help channel water but also serve as a guide for the condition of the pad. The common bicycle brake will have a pad on both sides, and both pads will have worn fairly equally. Replace both pads at the same time to maintain balanced braking.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 mm hex wrench (as needed)
  • Adjustable wrench (as needed)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the lever near the top of the brake to increase clearance between the brake arms and the side of the wheel. If the brake has no such lever, pinch each side of the brake in toward the wheel and separate the brake cable from its latch at the top of the brake.

    • 2

      Unscrew the nut by hand from the mounting post on the back of the brake pad. The mounting post and nut serve to secure the pad to the arm of the bicycle brake.

    • 3

      Pass the brake pad mounting post through the slot in the brake so that the pad is facing the bicycle wheel. The pad is slightly arc-shaped to conform with the shape of the wheel. Be sure the ends of the pad arc down, otherwise the pad is likely upside down.

    • 4

      Screw the nut onto the mounting post by hand. Tighten the nut enough to keep the pad from flopping to the side.

    • 5

      Position the pad so that the pad surface meets the side of the rim squarely. Use a proper wrench to fully tighten the bolt. Depending on the brake, the nut requires either an adjustable wrench or 5 mm hex wrench.

    • 6

      Attach the second pad to the other side of the brake. Position the pad and tighten the mounting post nut.

    • 7

      Close the lever on the brake. For brakes with no such lever, reattach the brake cable to the metal latch atop the brake.