How To Clean Your Mountain Bike Brakes

It’s stating the obvious that mountain bike brakes are important - cleaning them is important too. MTB terrain takes you across some gnarly courses, meaning that your bike is put through the paces - especially in muddy conditions as well as dusty conditions. Cleaning your bike regularly, not only keeps it looking in the best possible condition, but also ensures that the bike is operating correctly. Cleaning your brakes is one of the most important jobs you can do, preventing the build up of damaging dirt and grime on the braking system. In this post, we share some of the tips & tricks, as well as products we use when we clean the brakes on our own mountain bikes.

Prepare The Required Tools

The first step in cleaning your mountain bike brakes is preparing the necessary tools. You need a few basic tools to get the job done. These include a clean rag, clean water, a clean bucket or container, brake cleaner, and a hex key (usually best to buy a set)

Remove The Wheels And Brake Pads

The next step is to remove the wheels from the bike and take off the brake pads. To remove the wheels, use the appropriate hex key to loosen the bolts, and then slowly pull the wheels out of the frame. Once the wheels are off, use a screwdriver to take off the brake pads. Be careful not to damage the pads in the process.

Clean The Rotor

Now that the brake pads are off, it's time to clean the rotor. To do this, spray some brake cleaner onto a clean rag and wipe down the rotor. Make sure you get every part of the rotor, paying close attention to any stubborn dirt or grease.

Clean The Brake Pads

While cleaning the rotor, take the time to clean the brake pads as well. Spray some cleaner on a rag and scrub down the pads until they are sparkly clean. If the pads are too worn out or damaged, consider replacing them.

Reinstall The Brake Pads And Wheels

The last step is to reinstall the brake pads and wheels. Place the brake pads back in the caliper and screw them into place. Then slide the wheels back into the frame and tighten the bolts using the hex key. Test the brakes gently before you head out on any ride.

Cleaning your mountain bike brakes is an essential part of your bike's maintenance routine. With a little effort and some basic tools, you can keep your brake system in top operating condition.