Notices
General Cycling Discussion Have a cycling related question or comment that doesn't fit in one of the other specialty forums? Drop on in and post in here! When possible, please select the forum above that most fits your post!

Disk Brakes

Old 06-01-21, 10:17 AM
  #1  
alloo
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
alloo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 490

Bikes: 2022 Priority Coast, 2022 Priority Current

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 175 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times in 99 Posts
Disk Brakes

On Disk Brakes how do you know when to change the brake pads? Does it make a sound like cars do? I know the brake levers get closer to the bars, but how do you know if it needs adjustment or new pads? Is they're a mileage standard? Thank You very mucy for your input.
alloo is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 10:38 AM
  #2  
Elvo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 4,770
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 630 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 369 Times in 206 Posts
The pads and rotors are rated for a minimum thickness
Elvo is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 11:05 AM
  #3  
Barry2 
LR÷P=HR
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 2,136

Bikes: 1981 Holdsworth Special, 1993 C-dale MT3000 & 1996 F700CAD3, 2018 Cervelo R3 & 2022 R5, JustGo Runt, Ridley Oval, Kickr Bike 8-)

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 848 Post(s)
Liked 1,161 Times in 671 Posts
You go for an Oil change, and the Stealership recommends replacement when they are only 50% worn.



Barry
Barry2 is online now  
Likes For Barry2:
Old 06-01-21, 11:24 AM
  #4  
surak
Senior Member
 
surak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,949

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem

Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 871 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times in 436 Posts
The pad manufacturer specifies the minimum thickness. I just eyeball it. If they start making a clunking sound against the rotor, then they're past due for replacement. And no, the level travel won't change if they're hydraulic, only mechanical ones would.
surak is offline  
Likes For surak:
Old 06-01-21, 11:40 AM
  #5  
Cpn_Dunsel
Senior Member
 
Cpn_Dunsel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 168
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 124 Post(s)
Liked 134 Times in 61 Posts
When they don't work anymore. It's a process that sees them not working as well, having to apply more and more pressure until there is nothing left in the lever.

That is when I replace the pads.

.... or if they get fouled with oil or grease or some other material
Cpn_Dunsel is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 11:42 AM
  #6  
dabac
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,688
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1074 Post(s)
Liked 295 Times in 222 Posts
I simply peek down regularly to see how much is left. When it looks thin, I replace them.
dabac is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 11:45 AM
  #7  
indyfabz
Senior Member
 
indyfabz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,053
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18319 Post(s)
Liked 15,285 Times in 7,226 Posts
Originally Posted by dabac
I simply peek down regularly to see how much is left. When it looks thin, I replace them.
Family forum, pal! Reported!
indyfabz is offline  
Likes For indyfabz:
Old 06-01-21, 01:44 PM
  #8  
cxwrench
Senior Member
 
cxwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 3,767

Bikes: lots

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1958 Post(s)
Liked 2,932 Times in 1,489 Posts
Originally Posted by alloo
On Disk Brakes how do you know when to change the brake pads? Does it make a sound like cars do? I know the brake levers get closer to the bars, but how do you know if it needs adjustment or new pads? Is they're a mileage standard? Thank You very mucy for your input.
How about you tell us what kind of brakes you have? Disregard all advice til you've posted brand/model.
cxwrench is offline  
Likes For cxwrench:
Old 06-01-21, 03:01 PM
  #9  
alloo
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
alloo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 490

Bikes: 2022 Priority Coast, 2022 Priority Current

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 175 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times in 99 Posts
Originally Posted by cxwrench
How about you tell us what kind of brakes you have? Disregard all advice til you've posted brand/model.
Cable Disk Brakes on a Blix Aveny. About 3500 miles front brakes/

Tektro Aquila Mechanical Disc Brake, 160mm Rotor
alloo is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 03:36 PM
  #10  
wolfchild
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721

Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes

Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times in 1,286 Posts
I give my brakes a visual inspection...After so many years of riding I have a pretty good feel when to replace them....When to change brake pads is really just common sense.
wolfchild is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 04:17 PM
  #11  
Troul 
Senior Member
 
Troul's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,291

Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,910 Times in 1,884 Posts
if they go from braking speed to me breaking skin, that's usually a good indicator that they're spent. looking up the specs & tolerances from the OEM is another method.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
Troul is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 04:26 PM
  #12  
cxwrench
Senior Member
 
cxwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 3,767

Bikes: lots

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1958 Post(s)
Liked 2,932 Times in 1,489 Posts
Originally Posted by alloo
Cable Disk Brakes on a Blix Aveny. About 3500 miles front brakes/

Tektro Aquila Mechanical Disc Brake, 160mm Rotor
There is absolutely NO mileage number at which you should replace your pads. It is totally dependent on your individual riding style, your body weight, and how you maintain your bike. Some people tear through rear pads because they're afraid to use the front brake. Some people tear through pads because they live in a wet climate and that wears pads much quicker than a dry climate. Look at a photo of some brake pads...you'll see the backing plate and the friction material. It starts out about 3mm thick. When the friction material gets down to 1mm you should start thinking about replacing them soon. You could have this much wear in a 1 hour wet/muddy CX race or if you live in AZ they could last a year. Check them often. You can look through the caliper or you can look through the opening in the top of the caliper.

When you adjust for wear do NOT use the barrel adjusters, ONLY adjust with the adjustable inner piston and adjusting the caliper position.
cxwrench is offline  
Likes For cxwrench:
Old 06-01-21, 05:19 PM
  #13  
Rick
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,378
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 598 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 374 Times in 261 Posts
I just changed the front rotor and pads. The rotors have the minimum thickness. The torque specs for the mounting bolts. The diameter, the brand and the direction of rotation printed to the side that faces out between the bolt holes. The rotor I removed had a minimum thickness of 1.5mm and squalled when it wormed up going down a steep grade. The replacement rotor has a minimum thickness of 1.8mm. The pads I replaced were not worn out all the way. The new pads are Kool Stop ceramic instead of the sintered.
Rick is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 06:32 PM
  #14  
alo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,060
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 529 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 255 Times in 185 Posts
You can usually see how thick they are, just looking between the calipers.

You can take pads out and look at them, which is not really difficult.
alo is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 06:52 PM
  #15  
cxwrench
Senior Member
 
cxwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 3,767

Bikes: lots

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1958 Post(s)
Liked 2,932 Times in 1,489 Posts
Originally Posted by Rick
I just changed the front rotor and pads. The rotors have the minimum thickness. The torque specs for the mounting bolts. The diameter, the brand and the direction of rotation printed to the side that faces out between the bolt holes. The rotor I removed had a minimum thickness of 1.5mm and squalled when it wormed up going down a steep grade. The replacement rotor has a minimum thickness of 1.8mm. The pads I replaced were not worn out all the way. The new pads are Kool Stop ceramic instead of the sintered.
Minimum thickness of 1.8mm? You sure?
cxwrench is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 07:19 PM
  #16  
Rick
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,378
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 598 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 374 Times in 261 Posts
Minimum thickness of 1.8mm? You sure?
Yes it is a Magura ebike rotor. It can handle the heat better and hopefully wont setup a vibration when it heats up. Magura doesn't state the new thickness. Some of the other brands are 2.3mm thick. There are also less cut outs in it. I'm going to bed it in tomorrow.
Rick is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 10:23 PM
  #17  
Kapusta
Advanced Slacker
 
Kapusta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times in 1,422 Posts
Originally Posted by cxwrench
Minimum thickness of 1.8mm? You sure?
My Magura rotors are 2mm new with a 1.8mm minimum.
Kapusta is offline  
Old 06-01-21, 10:25 PM
  #18  
Kapusta
Advanced Slacker
 
Kapusta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times in 1,422 Posts
Originally Posted by cxwrench
How about you tell us what kind of brakes you have? Disregard all advice til you've posted brand/model.
Just curious... for what model brakes would “Look to see how much pad is left and replace before it is gone” not apply?
Kapusta is offline  
Old 06-02-21, 12:49 AM
  #19  
alo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,060
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 529 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 255 Times in 185 Posts
Originally Posted by Kapusta
for what model brakes would “Look to see how much pad is left and replace before it is gone”
Many of them. You can just squeeze the brakes and look between the calipers.
alo is offline  
Old 06-02-21, 07:48 AM
  #20  
Iride01 
I'm good to go!
 
Iride01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,809

Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020

Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6100 Post(s)
Liked 4,731 Times in 3,261 Posts
Visually just look? We are talking tenths of a millimeter. That will make a difference. I know I'm not good enough to visually look and decide about something that is less than .004 inches (1/256 ths of an inch).

I also will imagine... since mine aren't worn halfway to the recommended replace, that replacing as soon as or even earlier than recommended will help to keep disc brakes from having issues with pistons getting a little askew in the cylinder causing rub and other issues.

Harbor Freight has very cheap digital calipers that are accurate enough for the job. Pads on my brakes come out easily for inspection. And the disc itself needs to be checked to the manufacturers spec. An under spec disc with under spec pads might be even worse on the piston. And which is in the expensive part of the brake to replace.

As to the OP's question, I can only ask why don't they do what the manufacturer of their brakes say to do for that model. Shimano, SRAM and others have documents online that tell exactly when to replace.

Last edited by Iride01; 06-02-21 at 07:52 AM.
Iride01 is offline  
Old 06-02-21, 08:15 AM
  #21  
NoWhammies
Senior Member
 
NoWhammies's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 1,993

Bikes: Argon 18 Gallium, BH G7, Rocky Mountain Instinct C70

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 512 Times in 306 Posts
On my Shimano brake pads, I replace them whenever the pad is flush with the separator spring.
I measure the thickness of the rotors and replace them when they reach the minimum thickness - 1.5mm
NoWhammies is offline  
Old 06-02-21, 09:03 AM
  #22  
Kapusta
Advanced Slacker
 
Kapusta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times in 1,422 Posts
Originally Posted by alo
Many of them. You can just squeeze the brakes and look between the calipers.
Actually, it is probably all of them - which was my point (which you misquoted).
Kapusta is offline  
Old 06-02-21, 09:07 AM
  #23  
Kapusta
Advanced Slacker
 
Kapusta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times in 1,422 Posts
Just to be clear, the OP is asking about pads, not the rotor. It is pretty easy to see if you are running out of pad.

But yes, you need calipers to measure a rotor.
Kapusta is offline  
Old 06-02-21, 09:22 AM
  #24  
Rick
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,378
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 598 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 374 Times in 261 Posts
I know its not the pads, but what happens if you wear the rotor past the minimum thickness.
Rick is offline  
Old 06-02-21, 09:28 AM
  #25  
Kapusta
Advanced Slacker
 
Kapusta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times in 1,422 Posts
Originally Posted by Rick
I know its not the pads, but what happens if you wear the rotor past the minimum thickness.
My assumption is that when the rotor gets too thin, combined with the pads getting too worn, the pistons have to extend farther than intended.
Kapusta is offline  
Likes For Kapusta:

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.