How to Replace Shimano Brake Pads

Like other bicycle brake pads, Shimano brake pads suffer a certain degree of wear from use. Friction from the braking surface of the wheel causes the pad to slowly deteriorate, reducing the pad's ability to grip. The pad features a series of grooves on the surface designed to channel water away. Once the grooves nearly disappear, the pad is in need of replacement.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver (as needed)
• Needle-nose pliers (as needed)

Instructions

Road Bike Pad Replacement

1. Locate the quick-release lever on the side of the Shimano road bike brake. Turn the lever to the open position, giving the pads increased clearance from the braking surface of the rim.

2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the fixing screw from the side of each brake shoe. The brake shoe houses the brake pad.

3. Push the back of the pad forward, sliding it out of the shoe. Repeat for the second pad.

4. Install the new Shimano pad inside the shoe, sliding it into place. The left pad is marked with an "L." The right pad is marked with an "R." Repeat for the second brake pad.

5. Reinstall the fixing screw in the side of the brake shoe, and tighten using the Phillips screwdriver. Repeat the second brake pad.

Mountain Bike Pads

1. Squeeze both sides of the Shimano brake and lift the metal inner cable guide from the body of the brake. Separating the inner cable guide from the brake increases the clearance between the brake pads and the braking surface of the rim.

2. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the fixing pin from the side of the brake shoe. The brake shoe houses the brake pad. Repeat for the second pad.

3. Push the pad from the back, sliding it forward and out of the shoe. Repeat for the second pad.

4. Slide the new Shimano pad into the proper shoe. The left pad is marked with an "L." The right pad is marked with an "R." Repeat for the second pad.

5. Insert the fixing pin into the side of the first shoe. Push the pin into place. Repeat for the second pad.

6. Squeeze the sides of the brake and reattach the metal inner cable guide to the body of the brake.

References

• Jim Langley Bicycle Aficionado: Brake Maintenance
• Shimano: 105 Brakes
• Shimano: Alivio Brakes