How To Replace Avid BB5 Disc Brake Pads - Easy!, by RJ The Bike Guy on YouTube. 7 min 27 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 27 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Put the bike in a work stand or turn it upside down, then remove the wheel so you can reach the caliper and pads easily.
Look at how the old pads sit and which way the spring faces. Pinch the pad spring tabs together and pull the pads and spring out of the caliper.
Turn the inboard pad adjuster knob counterclockwise to back the pad away from the rotor. This makes room for the thicker new pads.
Wipe the rotor and the inside of the caliper with a clean rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol, then let them dry fully.
Clip the new pads onto the pad spring in the same orientation as the old ones and slide the pair into the caliper until they seat.
Refit the retaining clip or spring so both pads are held firmly and cannot slide out sideways.
Refit the wheel and check the rotor sits in the middle of the caliper slot. If it rubs, loosen the caliper bolts, squeeze the lever, and retighten evenly.
Turn the inboard pad adjuster clockwise until the pad just touches the rotor, then back it off about a quarter turn.
Take up cable slack with the barrel adjuster until the lever feels firm, spin the wheel to check for rub, then bed the pads in with a few hard stops.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep your fingers off the rotor and pad surfaces, since oil makes new pads squeal and grab poorly.
Replace pads before the friction material wears down to the metal backing, which damages the rotor.
If the lever still pulls to the bar after fitting, take up slack at the barrel adjuster rather than cranking the pad knob in.
Bed in new pads on a quiet, safe surface with several firm stops from moderate speed before riding hard.
Questions
Do I have to remove the wheel to change BB5 pads?
Yes, on most bikes the wheel and rotor block access to the pads. Removing it also stops you knocking the rotor while you work.
How do I know when the pads need replacing?
Check the friction material: once it is thinner than about a millimeter or close to the metal backing, swap them. A spongy lever and extra noise are also clues.
Can I reuse the old pad spring?
Yes, if it is straight and not rusty. Many new pad sets come with a fresh spring, so use that one if you have it.
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.
