How often check or change mechanical disc brakes

[GirishH]

I'm curious—how often or after how many miles do people typically check or change their mechanical disc brake pads?

I've been bikepacking for a while but never really followed a maintenance schedule. A few weeks ago, I took my bike to a mechanic because I heard some noise. The mechanic did a quick overhaul, and I was sent on my way.

However, a few weeks later, while descending steep hills, I started feeling like my wheel might come off. It was alarming, and I thought something might be stuck between the pad and the brake rotor. I removed and readjusted the wheel, but the problem persisted.

Finally, after tackling a few more steep sections, I found a motorbike repair shop in a remote mountain village (there were no bicycle shops around). To my surprise, I discovered that one of my brake pads was completely worn out, which explained why the wheel felt unstable when I applied the brakes.

Fortunately, I had a spare set of brake pads, so I replaced them, and the problem was resolved. This experience got me thinking—how often should one check brake pads during long rides?

Interestingly, I noticed the spring was broken as well, but I didn’t have a spare. I had to make do with it for the rest of the trip. What role does the spring actually play in brake performance?

Once I reached a larger town, I replaced all the brake pads and springs. However, one of the springs isn’t sitting properly, despite trying all the tips and tricks I’ve read or watched online. I’ve even ridden 50+ miles with the spring slightly misaligned, but I still can’t get it to sit snugly.

Does anyone have pointers or advice on this?

[Jake1]

I assume the noise was from the pad holder contacting the rotor directly. Like a car they are easy to view and to see excessive wear of the pad and rotor.
Again, my problem exists from the professional mechanic who sent yoi on yourxway with obviously wore out brake pads. Insane; andcyou paid to be put nack on the road with an unsafe bike. Typical bike shop service nowadays!

[GirishH]

Thanks, @Jake1. That experience made me to keep my shut while at a bike-shop. I visited the shop just about when he's ready to close and I was excited to chat with a fellow cyclist.

I have a feeling if I had taken the bike another time, he would have caught the issue.

But, still it's on me. I need to learn to check the basics especially when I have put a few thousands miles on this bike.

Hence, my question about the length or duration folks check/change brakes.

[Painkiller]

(11-30-2024, 01:47 PM)GirishH Wrote:  Thanks, @Jake1. That experience made me to keep my shut while at a bike-shop. I visited the shop just about when he's ready to close and I was excited to chat with a fellow cyclist.

I have a feeling if I had taken the bike another time, he would have caught the issue.

But, still it's on me. I need to learn to check the basics especially when I have put a few thousands miles on this bike.

Hence, my question about the length or duration folks check/change brakes.

I think for your style of riding and mileage you kinda answered your own question. You have taken them just past the limit. Now just subtract a couple hundred miles. there really is not one formula except a visual inspection now and again. you are a packer so you will wear faster, the more down hills and more weight will wear faster.

[GirishH]

Thanks, @Painkiller. After I changed them, I realised how easy it was. Not sure why I was so scared of them all this while. I will definitely inspect them more often now than past..

(11-30-2024, 09:35 PM)Painkiller Wrote:  

(11-30-2024, 01:47 PM)GirishH Wrote:  Thanks, @Jake1. That experience made me to keep my shut while at a bike-shop. I visited the shop just about when he's ready to close and I was excited to chat with a fellow cyclist.

I have a feeling if I had taken the bike another time, he would have caught the issue.

But, still it's on me. I need to learn to check the basics especially when I have put a few thousands miles on this bike.

Hence, my question about the length or duration folks check/change brakes.

I think for your style of riding and mileage you kinda answered your own question. You have taken them just past the limit. Now just subtract a couple hundred miles. there really is not one formula except a visual inspection now and again. you are a packer so you will wear faster, the more down hills and more weight will wear faster.

[meamoantonio]

Strava is a good tool to use to keep track of your bike's mileage, I change my pads once a year with 5000 - 7000 kms in mileage, im also a heavy rider so obviously this would add more wear on the pads too

[Nutribun]

Most likely depending on the mileage. I myself change pads the moment the lining was thinner compared to a quarter.

[GirishH]

Thanks, @Nutribun. To see how much "lining" you have, do you pull the pads out or just measure while they are still inside the disc brake setup?

Thanks.

(12-09-2024, 12:44 AM)Nutribun Wrote:  Most likely depending on the mileage. I myself change pads the moment the lining was thinner compared to a quarter.