The Best Disc Brake Pads for Shimano 4 Piston Brakes

Gorilla Brakes offers the UK’s largest collection of brake pad compound options for Shimano 4 piston brakes, giving riders the freedom to choose the braking characteristics that best match their bike, riding style and local conditions.

Whether you need maximum braking power for downhill and enduro riding, quieter braking for trail use, increased durability for an e bike or a balanced everyday compound, there is a Gorilla Brakes option available.

SHOP ALL SHIMANO 4 PISTON BRAKE PADS

Brake Pads for the Latest Shimano 4 Piston Brakes

The Gorilla Brakes Shimano 4 piston collection includes brake pads for the latest XTR and Deore XT brake systems, alongside established Shimano SLX, Deore, Saint, ZEE, CUES and MT series calipers.

Shimano 4 Piston Brake Compatibility

These brake pads are compatible with Shimano 4 piston calipers including:

• Shimano XTR: BR-M9220 and BR-M9120
• Shimano Deore XT: BR-M8220, BR-M8120 and BR-M8020
• Shimano SLX: BR-M7120
• Shimano Deore: BR-M6120 BR-M6220
• Shimano CUES: BR-U8020
• Shimano MT Series: BR-MT520 and BR-MT420
• Shimano Saint: BR-M820 and BR-M810
• Shimano ZEE: BR-M640

These calipers do not all accept every D, H or N pad. Plain D type pads fit many of these four piston models, but fin shape and clearance vary. In particular, do not assume an H or N finned pad fits BR-MT420 or BR-MT520. Match the exact caliper in Shimano’s compatibility chart and the aftermarket product listing.

Always check the model number printed or engraved on your brake caliper before ordering. If you are unsure which pads fit your brakes, contact Gorilla Brakes with a clear photograph of the caliper.

The UK’s Largest Choice of Shimano 4 Piston Brake Pad Compounds

Different brake pad compounds can dramatically change braking power, modulation, noise, heat resistance, rotor wear and pad life. Gorilla Brakes provides one of the widest choices available for this Shimano pad shape.

Enduro Pro Ultimate

Our highest performance compound for riders who need powerful and consistent braking during enduro, downhill, alpine and e MTB riding. It is designed to manage high braking temperatures and demanding descents.

Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic

A powerful and versatile compound combining strong braking performance with smoother operation and controlled modulation. A great choice for aggressive trail and enduro riding in changing conditions.

Enduro Pro Resin

A softer and more progressive compound designed to provide smooth modulation, strong initial bite and reduced vibration. It is particularly suitable for riders who prioritise control and quieter braking.

Factory Racing

A durable, all weather compound developed for mountain bikes, e bikes and riders who need dependable braking performance with excellent pad life.

Factory Racing STEALTH

Designed for smooth, controlled and quieter braking. The Factory Racing STEALTH compound is a strong option for trail riders who want dependable stopping power without the harsh feel associated with harder compounds.

Factory Racing Organic

A responsive organic compound offering strong initial bite, smooth modulation and quiet operation. Ideal for dry weather riding, trail bikes and riders who prefer a softer brake feel.

Factory Racing Titanium

A lightweight performance compound designed to deliver controlled braking and reliable heat management for trail, cross country and lighter enduro use.

Sintered

A hard wearing metallic compound suited to wet, muddy and abrasive riding conditions. Sintered pads provide excellent durability and heat resistance but require correctly prepared rotors and a thorough bedding in process.

Semi Metallic

A dependable all round compound combining the smoothness of an organic pad with some of the durability and heat resistance of a metallic compound.

Ceramic NANO TECH

A responsive ceramic based compound developed to deliver strong braking performance, controlled modulation and reduced rotor wear for everyday mountain bike use.

Finned Enduro Pro Ultimate

Finned versions can help move heat away from the pad, but must be explicitly compatible with the exact caliper. Check fin clearance and rotor compatibility before fitting.

Which Shimano Brake Pad Compound Should You Choose?

• Downhill, alpine and maximum braking performance: Enduro Pro Ultimate
• Enduro and aggressive trail riding: Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic
• Quiet braking and smooth modulation: Enduro Pro Resin, Factory Racing STEALTH or Factory Racing Organic
• E bike durability and all weather use: Factory Racing or Sintered
• Everyday trail and general riding: Semi Metallic or Ceramic NANO TECH
• Long descents and improved heat management: Finned Enduro Pro Ultimate

Powerful Braking for Mountain Bikes and E Bikes

Shimano 4 piston brakes are commonly fitted to trail, enduro, downhill and electric mountain bikes because the four piston caliper can generate high braking force while maintaining good control.

However, brake pads are only one part of the braking system. The hydraulic system, lever, pistons, rotor condition, caliper alignment and bedding in process must all work correctly. Brake noise is normally caused by vibration or inconsistency somewhere within the braking system rather than the brake pad compound alone.

Prepare Your Rotors Before Changing Compounds

Before changing compound, check the rotor’s permitted pad materials. A rotor marked for resin pads only must not be used with metal pads. Inspect and prepare or replace the rotor according to Shimano’s instructions, then bed in the new pads.

This is especially important when changing between resin, organic and sintered compounds. Installing a harder compound onto a rotor containing an uneven organic transfer layer can cause poor bedding, glazing, vibration and brake noise.

Shop Shimano 4 Piston Brake Pads

Explore the complete Gorilla Brakes collection and choose the compound that best suits your Shimano brakes, bike and riding style.

VIEW ALL SHIMANO XTR, XT, SLX, DEORE, SAINT, ZEE AND CUES 4 PISTON BRAKE PADS