Brakes
What are Brake Pads?
The friction material that clamps onto the disc to slow the bike when you squeeze the lever.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Sat inside the caliper either side of the brake disc, the pads' friction material grips the spinning disc when hydraulic pressure pushes them together, converting speed into heat.
A simple analogy
“Like pressing your palms firmly against a spinning bicycle wheel — friction does the slowing.”
How it works
Squeezing the brake lever pushes hydraulic fluid into the caliper, driving pistons that clamp the pads against both sides of the disc. Friction between pad and disc converts the bike's momentum into heat, which then dissipates into the air.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Squealing noise when braking
- ⚠Reduced stopping power or a longer stopping distance
- ⚠Pad material visibly thin, under roughly 2mm
- ⚠Grinding or metallic noise — pads worn through
Rough UK cost
£30–£100
Parts: £15–£70
Labour: £15–£40
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by bike, region, and parts brand.
Heads up: Motoautonomy is for general guidance only. If your bike is showing warning lights or behaving oddly, get it looked at by a qualified mechanic.