Fix guide · Brakes

How to Check Your Brake Pads

Two-minute check that prevents brake failure

Quick answer

Look at how much pad material is left. Most brake makers say replace disc pads at about 1 mm. Rim pads have wear lines. Check every month.

Four worn disc brake pads with scored pad material on metal backing plates
Worn disc brake pads. Check how much pad material is left on the metal backing. Photo: Troy Sankey, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized)

Try this first

Free, and each takes under 5 minutes.

  1. Disc brakes: look into the caliper
  2. Rim brakes: check the wear lines
  3. Listen for grinding

In plain English

E-bikes are heavier and faster than normal bikes, so their pads wear faster. Worn-out pads stop poorly and can ruin the rotor if the metal backing touches it. Checking takes two minutes.

Step-by-step checklist

Work from the top. Steps go from free and easy to shop jobs. Switch the bike off before touching any connector. Tick each step as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

Parts you might need

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Only buy a part if the free steps didn't fix it. Always match the voltage and connector type to your bike.

  • Brake pads

    Must match your brake model exactly (the model name is printed on the brake caliper).

    Link coming soon

Still not fixed?

Pages to try next:

When it's time for a shop: if you've worked through every step and the problem is still there, take the bike to an e-bike shop. Bring your notes on when it happens, plus the code.