HOW TO CHANGE BIKE DISC BRAKE PAD AT HOME IN 5 MINUTES, by MOTO MENTOR on YouTube. 4 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Park the bike on level ground and loosen the two caliper mounting bolts a quarter turn while the caliper is still fixed. Make sure the front wheel cannot roll.
Slide the caliper off the disc and hang it from the frame with a zip tie. Keep the brake hose straight so it is not stretched or kinked.
Pull out the pad retaining pin and slide both old pads out of the caliper. Note which way the spring clip and pad tabs face so the new ones go back the same way.
Clean the caliper body and the pistons with brake cleaner and a cloth. Push the pistons back into the caliper slowly and evenly so the new, thicker pads will fit.
Fit the new pads, slide the retaining pin back through and refit the caliper over the disc. Tighten the mounting bolts snugly, then pump the brake lever until it feels firm.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir on the handlebar. If it sits below the low mark, clean around the cap before you open it.
Top up with DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid, matching what your bike already uses. Add it slowly and stop at the upper line, since brake fluid swells with heat.
Refit the reservoir cap and check the level again. Spin the wheel and press the lever a few times to confirm the brake grabs smoothly before you ride.
Tips and common mistakes
Never squeeze the brake lever while the caliper is off or the pads are out, or the pistons will pop out.
Brake fluid strips paint, so cover nearby panels and rinse any spill with water straight away.
Do not mix DOT 3 and DOT 5 fluid, and never use old fluid from an opened bottle.
Ride gently for the first few miles and brake lightly to bed the new pads in.
Questions
How do I know the pads need changing?
Look at the friction material through the caliper opening. If it is thinner than about 1 mm or the wear groove is gone, replace the pads.
Do I need to bleed the brakes after fitting new pads?
Not usually. Bleeding is only needed if the lever feels spongy or you let air into the system.
Can I reuse the old pads if they still look thick?
Only if they are evenly worn and not glazed or contaminated with oil. Pads are cheap, so fitting new ones is the safer choice.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
