How Do I Know Which Shimano Brake Pads I Need?
Not sure which Shimano disc brake pads fit your bike? The good news is that almost the entire Shimano range is covered by just four pad shapes. Once you match your old pads to one of these shapes, you’ll know exactly which pads to order.
The 4 Shimano Pad Shapes
Here are the four pad families that cover Shimano’s full disc brake range:
-
Shimano 4-Piston (D/H/N)
For trail, enduro and downhill bikes with 4-piston calipers. -
Shimano B-Type
A common 2-piston shape used across road, gravel and MTB brakes. -
Shimano L/K-Type
Slimmer 2-piston shape often seen on road and gravel calipers. -
Shimano G/J-Type
One of the most common 2-piston MTB shapes.
How Do I Identify Which Shimano Pads I Need?
- Check your caliper model: Look for a code on the caliper body (e.g. BR-M8120, BR-R7170).
- Match the shape: Remove your old pads and compare them to the four shapes above.
- Piston count: If you see 4 pistons, you need the 4-piston shape. For 2 pistons, check whether your old pad matches B, L/K, or G/J.
- Fins vs no fins: Doesn’t affect compatibility — just the shape matters.
How to Check Shimano Disc Brake Pads for Wear
- Replace if less than 1mm of pad material remains.
- If pads are shiny/glazed or noisy, they may be contaminated — replace them.
- Uneven wear can mean the pistons need cleaning and resetting when you fit new pads.
How to Fit Shimano Brake Pads
Fitting pads is straightforward: remove the wheel, pull the old pads and spring, reset pistons, slot new pads in, refit the pin, reinstall the wheel, then bed the pads in. For the full step-by-step guide, see How to Install Gorilla Brakes Pads.
Which pad goes where? Shimano pads come as identical pairs — the friction side always faces the rotor, the steel backing faces the pistons.
Which Compound Should I Choose?
Your pad compound changes feel, noise and durability. See our guide: Types of Bike Disc Brake Pads.
- Resin / Semi-Metallic: Quiet, smooth, great for road, gravel, and commuting.
- Semi-Metallic: All-round MTB choice, strong in mixed weather.
- Ultimate: Maximum power and durability for eMTB, enduro and downhill.
FAQ
How do I know which Shimano brake pads to buy?
Match your old pad to one of the four shapes above, or check your caliper code.
How do I identify my Shimano brake model?
Look for the BR- code etched on the caliper (e.g. BR-M7100).
How do you know which pad goes where?
Both pads in the pair are identical — either can go on either side of the rotor.
How do I check Shimano disc brake pads?
Replace when material is under 1mm, or if pads are noisy or contaminated.
Ready to Order?
Shop the right Shimano brake pad shape here: