Know How

How to change brake pads on SRAM disc brakes

07.11.2016
by


E-MTBs are hard on their brakes, so it’s crucial the pads don’t get worn out. Taking our cues from the brand new SRAM Guide RE brakes, here’s how to change the brake pads and break (or should that be ‘brake’) them in gently.

Difficulty
easy

Necessary tools

You don’t need any special tools to change the brake pads.
You don’t need any special tools to change the brake pads.
  • 2.5 mm allen key
  • new brake pads
  • transport device (in red)

How to

Take off the wheel. (We’ve done the front wheel but it’s the same for the rear too.)
Take off the wheel. (We’ve done the front wheel but it’s the same for the rear too.)
Now reset the brake pads and pistons, which need pushing back to accommodate the new pads. Use the red transport device to push open the old pads.
Now reset the brake pads and pistons, which need pushing back to accommodate the new pads. Use the red transport device to push open the old pads.
Release the retaining clip that covers the end of the bolt.
Release the retaining clip that covers the end of the bolt.
Undo the brake pad bolt with the 2.5 mm Allen key.
Undo the brake pad bolt with the 2.5 mm Allen key.
Push the brake pads together and remove upwards out of the brake caliper.
Push the brake pads together and remove upwards out of the brake caliper.
Put the spring between the new pads.
Put the spring between the new pads.
Squeeze the pads and spring together...
Squeeze the pads and spring together…
… and put them in gently through the back of the calipers.
… and put them in gently through the back of the calipers.
Re-insert the brake pad bolt and tighten.
Re-insert the brake pad bolt and tighten.
Re-install the retaining clip …
Re-install the retaining clip …
… re-mount the wheel and give the brakes a little tug to make sure they’re working before you ride again.
… re-mount the wheel and give the brakes a little tug to make sure they’re working before you ride again.

Essential for good braking – ‘break in’ the brakes before a proper ride!

Before you start throwing the bike down trails again you’ll need to ‘break in’ the brakes sufficiently.
Before you start throwing the bike down trails again you’ll need to ‘break in’ the brakes sufficiently.

To achieve the ultimate performance from the new pads, it’s crucial that you ‘bed them in’. Ride at around 25 km/h and tug on them about 20-30 times, but never come to a full stop – that would increase the risk of noise and braking inconsistencies with the pads. If there’s a noticeable increase in noise when you go from sintered brake pads to resin ones then you might need to change the rotors too.

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