Worn brake pads can reduce braking performance and cause scraping or rubbing noises. This guide explains how to replace the brake pads, center the brake caliper, correct disc rubbing, and complete a safe final brake test.
Video Tutorial & Quick Timeline
Watch the complete repair before working on the scooter. Select a chapter below whenever you need to review a specific step.
When Should the Brake Pads Be Replaced?
Common Warning Signs
- Braking distance has noticeably increased.
- The brake lever must be pulled farther than before.
- The brake produces a scraping or grinding sound.
- The friction material on the pads is very thin or uneven.
- Brake performance remains weak after normal adjustment.
Tools and Parts
- 5 mm Allen key
- Compatible replacement brake pads
- needle-nose pliers
- Disc-brake cleaner, if required
- Protective gloves
Safety notice: Turn the scooter off and support it securely before starting. Do not touch the brake disc with oily hands, and do not allow lubricant to contact the disc or brake-pad surfaces.
Brake Pad Replacement Steps
The repair consists of replacing the worn pads and then centering the caliper over the brake disc. Do not fully tighten the caliper before completing the alignment procedure.
Switch Off the Scooter and Prepare the Tool
Turn the scooter off completely and place it on a stable support. Make sure the wheel and brake caliper are easy to access without the scooter moving during the repair.
- Prepare the tool: Have a 5 mm Allen key.
- Allow the brake to cool: Wait if the scooter was recently ridden.
- Check the replacement: Compare the new pads with the original brake assembly before removal.
Remove the Caliper and Retaining Wire
Remove the two caliper mounting bolts with a 5 mm tool and take off the brake caliper. Then use pliers to remove the retaining wire securing the brake pad pin.
- Remove bolts: Unscrew both upper and lower caliper mounting bolts completely.
- Detach caliper: Carefully remove the caliper from the bracket.
- Pull out retaining wire: Use pliers to remove the retaining wire before taking out the brake pad pin.
Remove the Old Pads and Install the New Pads
Remove the worn pads and install the new ones in the same orientation, with the friction surfaces facing the brake disc.
- Remove old pads: Pull the worn pads out from the caliper.
- Check orientation: Note the original pad position before removal.
- Install new pads: Place the new pads in the same direction as the originals.
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Avoid contamination: Keep oil and grease away from the friction surfaces.
Align the Caliper with the Brake Disc
Position the caliper so the brake disc sits correctly between the new pads. Keep the mounting bolts slightly loose to allow final alignment.
- Position the caliper: Place the caliper over the brake disc and ensure the disc is centered between the pads.
- Adjust alignment: Make sure the disc can move freely without rubbing against either pad.
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Keep bolts loose: Do not fully tighten the mounting bolts until the final adjustment is complete.
Center the Caliper and Tighten the Bolts
Pull and hold the brake lever to center the caliper around the brake disc, then tighten the mounting bolts securely.
- Hold the brake: Squeeze and hold the brake lever to clamp the disc between the pads.
- Tighten bolts gradually: Tighten the two mounting bolts alternately until the caliper is firmly secured.
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Release and check: Release the brake lever and check that the disc rotates freely without rubbing.
Check for Rubbing and Fine-Tune the Position
Spin the wheel by hand and make sure the brake disc rotates smoothly without continuous rubbing. Adjust the caliper position if needed.
- Check clearance: Rotate the wheel and listen for any rubbing between the disc and brake pads.
- Adjust the caliper: If rubbing occurs, slightly loosen the mounting bolts and reposition the caliper.
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Secure and test: Tighten the bolts, spin the wheel again, and perform a low-speed brake test.
Common Problems After Replacement
Use the following checks if the brake does not operate normally after the new pads are installed.
| Problem | Likely cause | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous rubbing | The caliper is positioned too far to one side. | Loosen both mounting bolts, shift the caliper slightly and repeat the alignment procedure. |
| Wheel is difficult to rotate | One or both pads are pressing firmly against the disc. | Check the pad installation and create even clearance on both sides. |
| Weak braking | New pads require bedding-in, or the braking surfaces are contaminated. | Recheck the installation, clean the disc and complete a controlled bedding-in process. |
| Uneven pad wear | The caliper is not centered or the brake disc is misaligned. | Re-center the caliper and inspect the disc for bending or damage. |
| Brake lever feels loose | The mechanical brake cable may require adjustment. | Check the cable tension after confirming that the caliper is aligned. |
Continuous rubbing
Likely cause: The caliper is positioned too far to one side.
Recommended action: Loosen both mounting bolts, shift the caliper slightly and repeat the alignment procedure.
Wheel is difficult to rotate
Likely cause: One or both pads are pressing firmly against the disc.
Recommended action: Check the pad installation and create even clearance on both sides.
Weak braking
Likely cause: New pads require bedding-in, or the braking surfaces are contaminated.
Recommended action: Recheck the installation, clean the disc and complete a controlled bedding-in process.
Uneven pad wear
Likely cause: The caliper is not centered or the brake disc is misaligned.
Recommended action: Re-center the caliper and inspect the disc for bending or damage.
Brake lever feels loose
Likely cause: The mechanical brake cable may require adjustment.
Recommended action: Check the cable tension after confirming that the caliper is aligned.
Check the Scooter Before Riding
- The caliper mounting bolts are secure.
- The replacement pads are fully seated.
- The brake disc sits between both pads.
- The wheel rotates without strong resistance.
- The brake lever engages and releases normally.
- The scooter stops reliably during a low-speed test.
New brake pads may need a short bedding-in period. Avoid high-speed riding until braking performance is stable and predictable.
