Tell me more ×
Bicycles Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people who build and repair bicycles, people who train cycling, or commute on bicycles. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite

The title pretty much says it all. I think I need to get mine replaced, but I do not know how to tell.

share|improve this question

2 Answers

up vote 6 down vote accepted

More expensive brake pads will have a wear line. Replace these when you hit the line. Not so expensive ones should be replaced when the protrusions from the main block have been worn away.

Another decent way to tell is by how far you're rolled out your barrel adjuster. If it's out more than 5mm or so, it's probably time to replace the pad.

More importantly than any of these indicators, if you see any metal showing through the pad, it's time to replace.

share|improve this answer
Nice tips, +1. Although one can use the pad "to the end", it is usually not worth it, because the brake-pad alignment is much more difficult, you end up risking to damage the tire and even the rim (metal-to-metal contact), and, plainly speaking, the pad has already paid itself long before getting to this point. – heltonbiker Mar 19 '12 at 20:09
up vote 2 down vote

I would err on the side of caution. Rims cost a lot more than new brake pads. Kool-stop pads are under $20 and they are great pads.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.