How to Replace a Bike's Brake Pads

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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In many cases, new brake pads can improve your braking performance. On most brakes, installing them is relatively easy.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Bike Brake Pads

Step 1

Understand that replacing pads is relatively easy for most types of brakes. However, for cantilever brakes, it can be quite a bit more difficult. If you have cantilever brakes, you might want to bring your bike to a bike shop to have this done by a qualified mechanic.
Step 2

Remove old brake pads. This can usually be done with a 5mm Allen wrench. If you have cantilever brakes, you will also need an open 10mm wrench.
Step 3

Install the new pads.
Step 4

Adjust the pad height and angle in relation to the rim. You want the pad to contact the center of the rim, and to be parallel to the rim.
Step 5

Adjust the toe in. The leading portion of the brake pad should come into contact with the rim before the rear of the pad. This will keep them from squealing.
Step 6

Consider the amount of post that is showing if you have cantilever brakes. In general, you want an equal amount on each side of the clamp bolt.
Step 7

See related eHow "Adjust Bike Brakes" for more information on brakes.

Comments

swrod34 said

Flag This Comment

on 6/8/2008 grr, plz read my first comment...

on 6/8/2008 and will someone plz put my comment as a 5 star, i think i wrote it well too! lol

on 6/8/2008 ok..this is probably the 1st and only time im writing an comment, i am actually way younger then it says i am....
i love bikes and im great at fixing them, and i dont think it is hard at all, except for the adjusting part.
this is a great guild, it is short and clear, ty so much!