Disc brake maintenance and troubleshooting

Proper braking performance is essential not only for a great riding experience but, most importantly, for your safety. This guide covers recommended service intervals, key differences between brake systems, and quick solutions to common issues.

1. Service & Replacement Intervals

The lifespan of brake pads and rotors depends heavily on your riding conditions, terrain, and braking style.

Brake Pad Replacement

Check your brake pads regularly for wear. Replacing them on time prevents permanent damage to your brake rotors.

Mountain / Steep downhill riding: ~500 – 1,500 km
City / Mixed commuting: ~1,500 – 3,000 km
Light touring / Casual riding: Up to 3,000 – 5,000 km

Brake Rotor Replacement

Brake rotors last significantly longer than pads, but you should periodically measure their thickness to ensure they remain within safe limits.

Standard city / Touring use: Up to 10,000 – 20,000 km
Extreme conditions: Can wear down in under 2,000 km

2. Types of Brake Systems

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

If you experience a loss of braking power, it is usually caused by one of three things:

Worn brake pads
Worn brake rotor
Air in the system: If the brake lever pulls all the way to the handlebar or feels “spongy,” air has entered the hydraulic circuit. In this case, the system needs to be bled according to manufacturer guidelines.

Mechanical (Cable-Actuated) Brakes

With mechanical brakes, reduced stopping power can be caused by pad/rotor wear or brake cable stretch.

What to check:
- Cable tension.
- Cable pinch bolt position.
- Pad adjustment screws and pad alignment.

3. Troubleshooting Guide (Common Issues & Solutions)


Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
:—	:—	:—
Excessive lever travel / Hydraulic lever squishy or sinking	1. Transport position: The bike was transported on its side or upside down (e.g., in a car trunk), causing air/fluid migration in the reservoir.	Rapidly pump (pull and release) the brake lever multiple times until pressure builds back up and the lever feels firm again.
	2. Worn brake pads: The pads are worn out, causing the pistons to extend too far.	Inspect your brake pads. Replace worn pads or adjust clearance as needed.
Brake rotor makes a squeaking or rubbing sound while rotating	Bent or warped brake rotor (e.g., from an impact or overheating).	Gently bend the rotor back into alignment in small increments using a rotor truing tool or by hand.
Brakes squeal loudly during braking	The rotor or pads are contaminated (dirt, oil), or the pad surface has become glazed/burnt from light urban braking.	1. Thoroughly clean the rotor using a dedicated brake cleaner spray.
		2. Resurface the pads:
		Option 1: Ride down a safe incline while applying steady braking pressure to wear off the glazed layer.
		Option 2: Remove the brake pads and lightly sand the friction surface on a flat sheet of fine sandpaper (e.g., 240 grit) until a matte finish returns.

If you are unable to restore proper braking performance using the steps above, please contact our support team or bring your bike to your local service shop!