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I was wondering how to tell when your disk brake pads need replacing. My front seems to be not stopping as quickly as it used to, or as I would like. I know this could be road grime build up, but I am not sure the indicators for replacement time for the pads.

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I change mine as soon as they don't work as expected. You usually notices this when you have to apply an unusual amount of force on he levers to make the bike break. It really depends on how much you use the bike, it can be enough to go out in the rain and break hard a couple of times to destroy a set of break pads.

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Thanks, I thought it might be just that, but wondered if there were other indicators, like car brakes will squeak when they get low. Looks like I'm going shopping for some brake pads. – Andrew Lowe Aug 26 '10 at 22:50
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You should just pull the pads out and see how worn down they are - or if they are really dirty. Sometimes it helps to get some rubbing alcohol and clean the pads and rotors.

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+1 because this method is quite objective i.e. you can see how far down is the resin worn off, is there only half a milimeter to the steel bed. – Vorac Jul 5 '12 at 7:26

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