How to change, Juicy Avid 3 brake pads, Specialized Rockhopper MTB

The front brake on a 2009 Specialized Rockhopper mountain bike began making an odd noise, which prompted a check of the pads. Those pads had in fact been fitted second-hand, having been replaced by a local shop during an emergency repair on a cycle ride through the Chilterns.

The front brake on this Rockhopper is an Avid Juicy 3. Having never changed brake pads before, the job was tackled with help from a friend who knows more about bike maintenance, and between the two of them the pads were swapped over.

Parts needed

Replacement pads and a retaining clip were purchased. The retaining clip may not strictly have been necessary, but since it was to hand it seemed sensible to fit it.

Tools and preparation

The bike was turned upside down to rest on its handlebars, and the front wheel was removed.

Step-by-step

1. With the bike upside down on its handlebars, take the front wheel off.
2. Loosen the fixing bolts that hold the brake unit to the fork so the unit can be moved, giving a little more room to work and to pull out the pads.
3. Prise off the square retaining clip at the rear of the brake unit using the blade of a screwdriver. It should detach with minimal force.
4. Insert a screwdriver blade between the old pads and push them apart so the calipers are pushed out. This creates the space needed for the thicker new pads to fit at step 7.
5. Pull out the old pads and the brake spring that sits between them.
6. Refit the square retaining clip.
7. Assemble the new pads and brake spring, then push the pads and spring between the calipers until a click is heard, indicating the pads and spring are held by the retaining clip. This part is fiddly, as the pads and spring need to be held together while being pushed in.
8. Put the wheel back on so the disc sits between the new pads.
9. Adjust the position of the brake unit so the brake disc rotates freely between the pads.
10. The method used here was to jiggle the brake unit to free up the pads and calipers, squeeze the brakes on, then tighten the brake unit fixing bolts. Release the brakes, rotate the wheel, and check that it turns freely with no contact between disc and pads.

The result

After checking the old pads, there was found to be some wear left in them, but they were scored and marked. With the new pads fitted, the brakes felt and sounded better.

A note of caution

This is only a guide, written by enthusiastic amateurs, and there may be better methods and better tools available. Anyone in doubt should consult a local bike shop or cycle mechanic.