How to Remove Bike Brakes
- 1). Remove the old brake pads from your bicycle to make sure that you purchase the correct type of pads for the replacement parts. Cartridge-style brake pads simply slip into and out of the brake pad holder and are secured with a pin that can be easily removed or an Allen bolt that needs to be loosened. Use a small flat-head screwdriver as a wedge to push out the old brake pads if they are stuck in the brake pad holder. Bolt-on brake pads need to be unscrewed from the brake pad holder in order to remove them. Remove only one set of brake pads so that you can compare the new pads, when installed, with the older set of pads on the other wheel.
- 2). Take the old brake pads to a parts store if it is your first time replacing your pads, to find the correct size and type of pad.
- 3). Reinstall the brake pad onto the bike. Cartridge brake pads should be slid onto the brake pad holder and secured with the pin or Allen bolt. If the brake pad is difficult to push into the holder, wet it with some rubbing alcohol or breathe on it a couple of times to moisten it. Bolt on pads can be slid onto the brake pad holder and tightened with an Allen wrench. Make sure that the bolt-on pads align with the curvature of the wheel and do not squeal when braking. Bolt-on pads should be square with the rim when braking. Make sure that the brake pads do not come in contact with the tire, which could cause a flat.
- 4). Compare the orientation of the newly installed brake pads with the older set of brake pads that were left on the other wheel. Test the pads by spinning the wheel and using the braking lever, checking for quick and efficient braking action. Replace the brake pads on the other wheel exactly as the first set.
- 5). Adjust the toe-in, which can also lead to squealing. Proper toe-in allows for the leading edges of the brake pad to touch the rim first, followed by the rest of the brake pad. Toe-in will have to be readjusted every time you install new bolt-on pads. Angle the pads so that a 0.5 mm gap is present at the rear of the pad whenever the front edge touches the rim. Toe-in is adjusted by turning the bolt on the brake caliper or anchor bolt.
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