How to Replace the Brakes on a Trek Mountain Bike

Trek mountain bikes are available in several different models, including both hard-tail or soft-tail rear suspensions. Trek bikes utilize one of two brake systems: caliper or disc. Both systems use a hand lever for applying pressure through a brake line that pushes the brake pad against either the wheel rim or a brake disc. Due to daily wear and tear, you may sometimes need to replace your Trek bicycle's brake pads. This typically requires only a few common tools.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Replace Disc Brakes

Things You’ll Need:

Trek mountain bike
Replacement brake pads
Adjustable wrench
Allen wrenches

Step 1

Position the pads of your Trek mountain bike so they are easily accessible. Spread the pads apart, using both hands to apply pressure.

Step 2

Locate the small pad adjuster screw located on the brake assembly near the spokes of your bike, and turn it to the left until it stops.

Step 3

Remove the spring from between the pads, and then remove the pads from your Trek disc brake assembly. Remember how the spring is positioned between the pads.

Step 4

Install the replacement pads on your Trek bike by positioning the spring, which you removed from the old pads, between the new disc brake pads.

Step 5

Pinch the replacement pads together, and insert it into the disc brake assembly. This will allow the pads to be positioned in the disc brake assembly.

Step 6

Adjust your brakes by loosening the caliper adjustment screw and squeezing the hand brake levers until the pads contact the disc. Tighten the adjustment screw, and release the brake lever.

Replace Caliper Pads

Step 1

Loosen the brake pad retaining nut on your Trek bike, using an adjustable wrench. Place the nuts in a dish or cup so you don't lose them.

Step 2

Tilt the brake pad down to allow it to move past the rim of your wheel. Pull the pad down past the rim until the threaded stud of the pad clears the brake assembly.

Step 3

Insert a new pad into your brake assembly by reversing the previous process.

Step 4

Thread the retaining nut onto the brake pad stud. Finger tighten only, at this point.

Step 5

Position the pad at a point where it will contact the rim of the wheel and not the tire. Tilt the pad so that the front of the pad will contact the rim before the rest of the pad. Tighten the pads in place using an adjustable wrench.

Step 6

Adjust your new brake pads by squeezing the brake lever until the pads contact the rim and loosening the brake cable adjustment screw on the side of the brake assembly using a screw driver, wrench or Allen wrench. Pull any slack from the cable with pliers and retighten the cable screw.

Tips & Warnings

Use quality pads and follow brake replacement instructions or recommendations from the manufacturer.

Securely tighten all nuts, screws and adjustment knobs. Failure to do so may result in injury to a rider.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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