Maintaining your bike’s braking system is crucial for safe riding. Replacing worn-out brake pads is a straightforward task that ensures your bike stops effectively. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of installing new rim brake pads, step by step.
What You Need for This Job
- 5mm Allen wrench
- New brake pads (e.g., Hapleby brake pads)
- 10 mm wrench
- Optional: gloves to keep your hands clean
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Bike
Start by placing your bike on a stable surface or a bike stand. This will make it easier to work on and ensure safety during the process.
- Release the Brake Mechanism
Locate the brake’s quick-release mechanism. Squeeze the brake arms together and unhook the cable noodle from its cradle. This action will give you ample space to work on the brake pads.

- Remove the Old Brake Pads
Use the 5mm Allen wrench to loosen and remove the bolt securing the old brake pad to the brake arm. Be mindful of any washers or spacers; keep them safe as you’ll need them for the new pads.
- Understand the Washer Configuration
Before installing the new pads, familiarize yourself with the washer stack configuration. Typically, a concave washer faces a convex washer, with the brake arm sandwiched between them. This setup allows for fine-tuning the pad’s angle and ensures optimal brake performance.

- Install the New Brake Pads
Align the new brake pad with the wheel’s rim, ensuring it’s centered and not touching the tire. Thread the bolt through the washers and brake arm in the correct order, then hand-tighten it to hold the pad in place.

- Adjust the Pad Alignment
Position the brake pad so it makes full contact with the rim when the brake lever is engaged. Ensure the pad doesn’t touch the tire or sit too low. Proper alignment is crucial for effective braking and even pad wear.
- Secure the Brake Pad
Once the pad is correctly aligned, hold it steady and tighten the bolt firmly using the Allen wrench. Double-check the alignment to confirm it’s still correct after tightening.
- Reconnect the Brake Mechanism
Squeeze the brake arms together and hook the cable noodle back into its cradle. This will re-engage the braking system.
- Test the Brakes
Spin the wheel and apply the brake lever to ensure the pads engage the rim evenly and stop the wheel effectively. If one pad contacts the rim before the other, adjust the spring tension screws on the brake arms until both pads engage simultaneously.
Recommended Videos for More on Bike Brakes
For a visual demonstration and additional tips on maintaining your bike’s braking system, check out the following video:
Products Used
To learn more about the tools and products mentioned in this guide, watch the following reviews:
- WOTOW Multitool Review: A comprehensive look at a versatile bike multitool.
- Hapleby Brake Pads Review: An in-depth review of the Hapleby brake pads, highlighting their performance and value.
By following these steps, you can confidently replace your bike’s rim brake pads, ensuring safer and more efficient rides. Regular maintenance like this keeps your bike in top condition and enhances your overall cycling experience.
Learn more about Pedals, Handlebars and Brakes
- Handlebars on MTBs are wide, find out why – Why are MTB Handlebars so Wide?
- Should you upgrade your handlebars? Read – Are Handlebars Worth Upgrading?
- Universal pedals? Read all about it here – 9 Universal Pedals for Your MTB
- Learning how to Jump? Learn more with – How to Jump a MTB with Flat Pedals
- Keep your disc brakes clean – How to Clean Mountain Bike Disc Brakes
- Is their a difference? – Mountain Bike V-Brakes vs Disc

David Humphries is the creator of DIY Mountain Bike. For me a relaxing day involves riding my mountain bike to decompress after a long day. When not on my bike I can be found wrenching on it or making YouTube videos at 👉 DIY Mountain Bike Read more about David HERE.