Shimano XT 4-Piston Brake Pads BR-M8120 | D02S D03S H03C N04C

Shimano XT 4-piston disc brake pads compatible with BR-M8120 / BR-M8220 / BR-M8020 hydraulic calipers. Built for aggressive trail and enduro riding, XT 4-piston systems use D02S, D03S, H03C, H03A, N04C and N03A pad shapes for strong, consistent braking under load.

XT 4-Piston Fitment

Pad shapes

D02S / D03S / H03C / H03A / N04C / N03A

Compatible calipers

BR-M8120 / BR-M8220 / BR-M8020 (XT 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 XT 4-Piston (M8120 / M8220 / M8020)

  • M8120 wandering bite point: Earlier XT 8120 models can develop an inconsistent bite point under repeated hard braking. A full bleed usually restores consistency.
  • Sticky pistons: Brake dust can cause one piston to retract slower, leading to rotor rub and uneven pad wear. Regular piston cleaning keeps braking balanced.
  • Ceramic piston care: XT calipers use ceramic pistons. Always use plastic tools when pushing pistons back to avoid cracking.
  • M8220 improvements: Updated seals and Shimano Low-Viscosity mineral oil significantly improve bite point stability.
  • Oil requirement (M8220): Must use Shimano LV mineral oil. Standard mineral oil can cause sluggish lever return.

🏆 Enduro Pro Compounds (Maximum Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Enduro Pro Ultimate 🟧 Orange ★★★★★+ ★★★★★+ ★★★★★+ ★★★★★+ Enduro, bike park, alpine descents, heavy riders
Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic 🔵 Blue ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ Aggressive trail & mixed conditions
Enduro Pro Resin ⚫ Black ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Dry trail riding, strong modulation

🏁 Factory Racing Compounds (High Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Factory Racing (Green) 🟩 Steel ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★★+ e-MTB, long descents, high load use
Factory Racing Titanium ⚪ Titanium ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ Lightweight builds, XC & trail
Factory Racing Stealth 🟪 Stealth Purple ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Quiet, powerful braking in mixed weather
Factory Racing Organic ⚪ Grey ★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★★ Smooth feel, low rotor wear

🔧 Standard Compounds (Reliable Everyday Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Semi-Metallic ⚫ Black ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ Trail, commuting, all-round MTB
Ceramic – Nano Tech 🟢 Green ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★ XC, dry trails, reduced rotor wear
ENDURO Ceramic 🔴 Red ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Heavier riders, higher heat use
Sintered (Metallic) 🟡 Gold ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★+ ★★★★★ Wet, muddy, high-heat conditions

📚 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 XT BR-M8120 4-piston brakes?
Shimano XT BR-M8120, BR-M8220 and BR-M8020 4-piston calipers use D02S, D03S, H03C, H03A, N04C and N03A pad shapes.
Why do my Shimano XT 4-piston brakes squeal?
Squeal is commonly caused by contamination or uneven piston retraction rather than pad material. Clean rotors, reset pistons evenly, re-centre the caliper and bed pads in properly.
Why does my XT lever feel inconsistent or the bite point moves?
A wandering bite point is usually caused by air in the brake system or an incomplete bleed. Frequent hard riding can require more regular bleeding to keep bite point consistent.