Brake Disc and Pads: The Complete Cyclist’s Guide

Your brake disc (rotor) and pads work together to stop your bike safely. Over time, pads wear down and rotors can glaze or groove—reducing power and control. This guide helps you spot wear, choose the best pads for your riding, and fit them correctly so you get quiet, confident stopping.

What are brake discs and pads?

On a bicycle disc brake, the disc (rotor) is the steel ring attached to your hub. The pads are friction blocks that clamp the rotor inside the caliper. When you pull the lever, hydraulic (or cable) force pushes the pads against the rotor to create controlled friction.

Do brake discs and pads need replacing together?

Not always. If your rotor is within thickness spec, runs true, and isn’t deeply scored, you can replace pads only. Replace the rotor if it’s below minimum thickness, cracked/warped, or has ridges you can catch with a fingernail. New pads on a badly worn rotor will be noisy and underpowered.

7 signs your brake disc or pads need replacing

1. Squeal or howl: Glazed pads/rotor or contamination.
2. Vibration/judder: Uneven pad deposition or bent rotor.
3. Longer stopping distances: Worn pads, wrong compound, or oily rotor.
4. Visible scoring: Deep grooves on rotor.
5. Pad material under ~1 mm: Time to replace.
6. Spongy lever feel: Pistons not retracting/centred or pads cooked.
7. Persistent wet noise: Consider a pad with better wet performance.

How to choose the right pad compound

How to replace disc brake pads (step-by-step)

1. Shift to an easier gear, put bike in a stand, remove wheel.
2. Push pistons back gently with a pad spreader (never on rotor).
3. Undo pad pin/clip and slide pads + spring out.
4. Clean rotor and caliper with isopropyl alcohol.
5. Insert new pads + spring, secure pin/clip.
6. Reinstall wheel, squeeze lever, and centre caliper.
7. Spin wheel, check for rub, confirm firm lever feel.

Bedding-in: quick method

Make 10–20 controlled stops from moderate speed to a crawl (don’t fully stop). Allow brief cooling between sets. This lays down a film on the rotor for maximum power and reduced wet noise.

Eco & compliance

• Brake Pad Recycling Program: Send us your used pads for recycling.
• REACH compliant: All pads are made with eco-friendly materials and packaging.

FAQ: Brake Disc and Pads

How often should I replace brake pads?
When friction material is about 1 mm thick, or if contaminated or glazed.

Do I need to replace the disc with the pads?
Only if the rotor is below thickness, cracked, warped, or heavily grooved.

What’s the difference between a disc and pads?
Disc = steel rotor on the hub. Pads = friction blocks that clamp it.

Which pads are best for wet rides?
Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic offer excellent wet control with low noise.

Are Gorilla Brakes pads compatible with my bike?
Yes—see our collections for Shimano, SRAM, Hope, Hayes.

Are brake pads recyclable?
Yes—use our Recycling Program.

Why Upgrade to Galfer Disc Rotors?

Galfer rotors are engineered for riders who want more than just stopping power — they want performance, heat management, and silence. Whether you’re racing down alpine descents or commuting in all weather, Galfer’s Wave and Shark rotors are a serious upgrade.

All Galfer rotors are compatible with Gorilla Brakes pads and are ready to upgrade your stopping game.