How often should one replace disc brake pads??

[MMcG]

I'm curious to learn how often someone should replace disc brake pads.

Is there a general rule of thumb to go by? I have Hayes Hydraulics and just recently bought a new set of pads and I was wondering how long of a lifespan a set of pads has under normal (not DHing) riding conditions?

Also, I should note that I'm not the most skilled or efficient braker out there.

Damn, I wish I lived in MA as I could have really benefitted from Justbill's skills clinics methinks (although I have improved through experience this year).

I welcome any thoughts on disc brake pad replacement instructions!

Thanks!

McAskalot :)

Sorry Mark,

we disconnect brakes at our skills clinic. ask around you will find i'm serious.

bill

[C.P.]

Look at the Sept Singletracks ;)

[MMcG]

Look at the Sept Singletracks ;)


Did you write an article in their CP? I think my Dog may have chewed up that issue (I kid you not!).

[steve_b]

Brake pad life depends on type of riding and how much you ride. Riding trails only, you should get at least 1 year out of a set.

There's a small section here on changing the pads:
http://www.hayesdiscbrake.com/pdf/45-14550BEnglishForWeb.pdf
Towards the back of the guide there's some useful torque specs as well.

[bike187]

i think there might have been something about bleeding hayes brakes on the bostedspoke.com site. they might have something in there about brake pad wear. also check out the hayes website

[Jisch]

I have Avid Mechanicals. I heard that they had a bad batch of pads. Apparently I got two or three sets out of that bad batch because I was changing pads every month! I've now found EBC pads and I get 3-4 months out of them.

My bud has Hayes and he's gotten almost a year out of his pads. Of course he's insane and could probably ride without brakes. I've been riding in the winter with him and I'll be walking down a steep icy section, he comes barrelling down and says, "Just don't use your brakes". Ohhh why didn't I think of that?

Just don't squeeze the levers while the wheel is out, its a pain to get the calipers back in.

John

[EVIL BOTA]

MMcG,


I ride about 3-4 time a week from April till November. I usually get 1 season out of the front, and season and a half out of the rear. Pay the extra for better pads its worth it. Of course this is
just fictional ,because I'm not riding now. If I was though thats what it would be..lol

Evil with a slight limp.

[johnbryanpeters]

Rule of thumb given to me by Magura support is replace 'em when lining thickness is equal to backing thickness.

J