Shimano Deore 4-Piston Brake Pads (MT-401 / MT-420 / BR-M6120)

Shimano Deore 4-piston disc brake pads compatible with BR-M6120 and common Shimano 4-piston calipers including BR-MT420 and BR-MT401.

Deore 4-Piston Fitment

Pad shapes

D02S / D03S / H03C / H03A / N04C / N03A

Compatible calipers

BR-M6120 / BR-MT420 / BR-MT401 (Shimano 4-piston)


Enduro Pro

Maximum braking power and fade resistance for sustained descents and high-load riding.

Highest performance.


Factory Racing

Performance-focused compounds tuned for modulation, lever feel and controlled braking.

Balanced power & feel.


Standard Compounds

Includes Sintered, Semi-Metallic and Ceramic options with reliable, everyday performance.

Everyday performance.

Need help choosing a compound? View the guide below.

 View Compound Guide And Compatible Models ↓

Workshop Notes — Shimano Deore 4-Piston (BR-M6120 / MT420 / MT401)

  • Brake noise: Squeal is usually caused by uneven piston movement rather than pad compound. Clean pistons regularly and ensure all four retract evenly before fitting new pads.
  • Uneven bite point: If one pad contacts the rotor first, a piston may be sticking. Remove pads, extend pistons slightly, clean around the seals and reset evenly, then re-centre the caliper.
  • Regular bleeds for heavy users: Frequent descending and higher loads can heat the system and amplify lever inconsistency. A proper mineral oil bleed keeps lever feel consistent.
  • Creeping lever: A lever that slowly pulls to the bar under steady pressure is typically caused by trapped air or a poor bleed on these models. Re-bleed properly before blaming pads or rotors.

🏆 Enduro Pro Compound Comparison (Highest Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Perf. Wet Perf. Heat Dissipation Life-span Best For
Enduro Pro Ultimate 🟧 Orange ★★★★★★ ★★★★★★ ★★★★★★ ★★★★★★ Maximum control for hard trail, enduro, long descents and heavier riders
Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic 🔵 Blue ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ All-weather trail riding with strong bite and consistent feel
Enduro Pro Resin ⚫ Black ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Quieter braking and smooth modulation for everyday trail miles

🏁 Factory Racing Compound Comparison (High Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Perf. Wet Perf. Heat Dissipation Life-span Best For
Factory Racing (Green) 🟩 Steel ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★★+ Hard high-load riding, long descents, e-MTB and heavier riders
Factory Racing Titanium ⚪ Titanium ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ Lightweight trail builds and fast dry conditions
Factory Racing Stealth 🟪 Stealth Purple ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Quiet, powerful braking for UK trail conditions
Factory Racing Organic ⚪ Grey ★★★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★★ Ultra-quiet trail riding and light use, smooth feel and low rotor wear

🔧 Standard Compound Comparison (Everyday Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Perf. Wet Perf. Heat Dissipation Life-span Best For
Semi-Metallic ⚫ Black ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ Everyday trail and commuting
Ceramic – NANO TECH 🟩 Green ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★ Dry trail riding, low rotor wear
ENDURO Ceramic 🔴 Red ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Heat management for heavier riders and long descents
Sintered (Metallic) 🟡 Gold ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★★ ★★★★★ Wet, muddy riding and maximum durability

📚 Helpful Resources

🔧 How to Install Gorilla Brakes Pads 🚴 Bedding-in New Brake Pads Guide 🔊 Hydraulic Brake Noise 📊 Gorilla Brakes Compound Comparison Chart ♻️ Brake Pad Recycling Program 🧰 Customer Support 📞 Contact Gorilla Brakes 📰 Gorilla Brakes Latest News

Frequently Asked Questions

What brake pads fit Shimano Deore BR-M6120, MT420 and MT401 calipers?
Shimano Deore 4-piston calipers including BR-M6120, BR-MT420 and BR-MT401 use D-type pad shapes such as D02S, D03S, H03C, H03A, N04C and N03A. Always confirm your existing pad shape before ordering, as Shimano 2-piston Deore systems use different pad types.
Are Deore 4-piston brake pads the same as Shimano XT or SLX pads?
Many Shimano 4-piston systems share the same D-type pad shape across Deore, SLX and XT models. However, always check your caliper model (for example BR-M6120 vs BR-M8100) to ensure compatibility before purchasing.
Which compound is best for Shimano Deore 4-piston brakes?
For aggressive trail, enduro or heavier riders, a sintered or high-performance compound offers better heat resistance and durability. For quieter everyday riding or lighter trail use, resin or semi-metallic pads provide smoother modulation and reduced noise.