Step two – inspect the wheel rim
-
The wear sustained by this pad is obvious from its thinness
-
It's easier to replace brake pads when the wheel has been removed
-
The poor condition of this graphic is evidence of wear suffered by the rim
-
Pads can be persuaded to leave the shoe with use of a screwdriver
-
Silver particles on the pad are likely to be pieces of aluminium from the rim. Remove with a pick if the shoe has sufficiently good to be used again
-
Grub screws can wear and easily become rounded. If your replacement pads are supplied with new grub screws, use them
-
New pads and regularly inspected rims - a safe combination
Step two – inspect the wheel rim
Removing the wheel presents an ideal opportunity to check the braking surface of the rim. Some come with wear indicators, typically a groove around the circumference, below the brake track, or a series of dots at regular intervals. When the groove or dots have disappeared, it’s time to replace the rim.
A further indication of rim wear can be found in worn graphics. “As the pads become thinner, their orientation to the rim changes, and they move down towards the sticker,” says Jon. Unless you have experience as a wheel builder, replacing the rim is likely to be a job for a professional.