How to Change Brake Pads on a Bicycle

There are many repairs to your bicycle that you can do yourself. Replacing break pads is one of them. Here's how to do it.

Things You'll Need

• Break pads
• Hex wrench

Instructions

1. 

   Remove the wheels. Most modern bikes have a quick release on both wheels. Pull the quick release lever to remove them. Unless you have a bike stand, turn the bike upside down and rest it on the handle bars and seat.

2. 

   Remove the brake pad hex nuts. Find the proper size hex wrench and unscrew the nuts. Then pull the brake pads out from the other side of the calipers on the front and back.

3. 

   Attach the new pads. You will notice a mark on the slot of the caliper where the hex nut was before. That will be your guide for placement when you put the new pads on. The pads are adjustable in the up-down direction so the marks left from unscrewing the nuts will at least get you in the ball park of where the new pads should be. Screw the new pads on with the hex nuts.

4. Replace the wheels. You may need to work the tire a little bit through the brake pads. Sometimes the tire is thicker than the space between them.

5. Adjust brake pad positions. Check to see if the pads are aligned so that they press only on the metal rim and not the tire. Spin the tire as you apply the brakes a few times to see if the proper alignment has been made. If all looks good, then take the bicycle for a short spin to make sure the brakes are working while under full load. Check the alignment once more and if no further adjustment is needed, you're done.

Tips & Warnings

• When removing the rear wheel, be careful in handling the chain and gears.

• Always test your brakes at a slow speed after any repair.

Resources

• Bike repair website