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Which SRAM brake pads do you need?
Finding the right replacement brake pad can be a little daunting. They all kind of look the same, right? Well, we are here to help. We have created three easy steps to help you choose the right brake pads for your needs.
Want to skip ahead? Use the links below:
Your brake system will require a specific SRAM or AVID brake pad for fitment and operation. For fitment and safety, the correct brake pad must be selected for your brakes. As there can be an overlap between systems, please use the document below to find the right shape.
We have listed a few ways to identify your brake pad. Our latest Disc Brake Pad Identification is below, where you can hold your pad up to confirm the shape. Or, if you are unsure of your brake model, review the serial number identification procedures to identify your specific brake.
Brake Pad Compatibility Chart
The brake pad identification chart above makes it easy to find the brake pads you need based on your existing brake pads in the system. Simply match your pad shape to find the specific part numbers and review the pad compounds to best decide on what compound will work best for you.
Don't have your old pads, or still not 100% sure? You can also use the information from the serial number on your product to help with brake pad selection and spare parts. To locate your serial number, use our Component Serial Numbers location guide. Serial numbers are located on the brake caliper as pictured below. Looking up the serial numbers on our SRAM Service Website will link you to the model and specific service manuals for your part.
Small brake pads are used on our MTB and road two-piston brake calipers. The brake systems that the small pads cover are:
The following pad compounds are offered:
Want to learn more about pad compounds? Scroll down to step 2
**OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer - This is the brake pad that will come in your brakes from new.
Small Asymmetric brake pads were designed specifically for our monoblock or one-piece calipers that were used from 2012-2018 in SRAM 22 HRD Mechanical groupsets, 2017-2019 on SRAM Level and RED AXS brake calipers. The nature of the offset pin entry is from the one-piece design of the caliper.
Small Asymmetric caliper models include:
The following compounds are offered:
Want to learn more about pad compounds? Scroll down to step 2
**OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer - This is the brake pad that will come in your brakes from new.
Medium brake pads are exclusive to our mountain bike line of brakes and cover the aggressive cross-country rider up to all mountain riders.
The brake models that they cover is:
The medium pads offer an extra brake compound to some of our other offerings. The following compounds are offered:
Want to learn more about pad compounds? Scroll down to step 2
**OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer - This is the brake pad that will come in your brakes from new.
Large brake pads are dedicated to our heaviest-duty brakes, mostly seen on enduro, downhill, or e-bikes. The models that the large pads cover are:
Our large pads come in three compounds options (which we discuss further down in the article)
Want to learn more about pad compounds? Scroll down to step 2
**OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer - This is the brake pad that will come in your brakes from new.
Modern mountain bikes have redefined what riders are capable of, pushing the requirements for heavy-duty power further than ever before. Our X-Large series of brake pads suit our brake offerings that deliver Extreme power for the rider. X-Large pads are designed around our Maven product line, delivering our highest power brake ever produced. The models that the large pads cover are:
Our large pads come in two compound options (which we discuss further down in the article)
Want to learn more about pad compounds? Scroll down to step 2
**OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer - This is the brake pad that will come in your brakes from new.
Separate from our "new" sizing approach, we also have existing AVID calipers in the market. Our AVID pad category includes hydraulic disc brake pads and mechanical disc brake pads.
The Avid calipers and their compatible legacy pads are:
Our pad diagram is below to help confirm the pad shape you are looking for:
AVID Offerings
Want the pad material you had before? Then we won't bore you with the below information, don't fix something that isn't broken. We have some information below if you want to learn more or change combinations.
The main point to remember with changing disc brake compounds is that you will need to replace your rotor for optimal brake performance. We will discuss this further down.
Each pad compound will have a different colored backing plate. This makes identification easier for riders. The table below will assist in your selection, and further down in the article, we will discuss what these all mean in the coming paragraphs.
Different pad compounds will have a different colored backing
Now, if you are looking at changing up those brake pads, we can help explain what a new compound will perform like on the road or trail. The pad compound relates to the material that contacts the rotor. Compounds generally come in two flavors:
During the bed-in process of hydraulic disc brakes, a thin layer of brake pad material is transferred onto the rotor. This friction between the two surfaces enables powerful braking. When changing brake pad compounds, it is crucial to replace the rotors as well to achieve optimal performance with your hydraulic disc brakes. Below is a table indicating which combinations of brake pad compounds and rotors require replacement for the best results.
Once you have determined the correct shape and compound, it is time to install the new brake pads. Below are direct links to our brake pad installation video and break bed-in. Be sure to review the Disc Brake Pad Replacement User Manual for complete instructions, but we also have some careful considerations below;
SRAM has published two other articles on our Hydraulic Disc Brake spare parts; they can be found below:
SRAM has fantastic learning resources, such as our service website and SRAM Tech YouTube channel.
Full article can be found here: https://www.sram.com/en/service/articles/SRAM-Brake-Pad-Overview
Courtesy: Our channel partner - SRAM, the legendary bike components maker who is respected as one of the finest for making epic and ultimately durable productlines - We love SRAM products at Cycling Boutique and we are the contact point for any SRAM products, SRAM product installations, SRAM Product Support and SRAM Product Warranty.
