Which Shimano Brake Pads Do I Need?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The inside of the brake caliper (on the other side of the Shimano label) is a model number

. Also on the bottom of the brake lever there should also be a model number.

How do I know what brake pads to get for my bike?

How do I know what disc brake pads I need?


Look at what your brake is called (it's usually written on the lever reservoir and/or the caliper body) and then find a disc pad of the same name

. If the model names don't quite match or are incomplete, take your exisiing pads out and double-check the shape of them compared to the potential replacement pads' shape.

What is the difference between L02A and L03A brake pads?


The durability of the Shimano L03A has been significantly increased compared to the previous L02A model thanks to a new resin compound

. In addition, the pads impress as usual with their braking power, low noise development and excellent modulation.

What is the difference between Shimano Deore and Deore XT?


Deore XT carries the big advantage of having the Shadow Plus technology (link), unlike the Deore which in the best case has the Shadow compact design

. Simply put, the XT works faster, more accurately, more silently and doesn't need regular service for adjustement.

What is the difference between XT and XTR brakes?

The modulation in the brakes is vastly improved over the previous on/off generation of Shimano brakes.

The XTR versions, however, do control power noticeably better than the XT

. I didn't notice any brake fade on longer descents with the XT brakes. Even when things got wet, the brakes performed flawlessly.

Can I replace 55mm brake pads with 70mm?


Yes! You shouldn't have any issue replacing your existing 50mm pads with these 70mm pads

they will just be a little longer than your old ones.

Are V brake pads universal?


They are universal except for a very few models called mini V brakes

, which use short pull brake levers as opposed to long pull. These stand out as having very short arms compared to most. Shimano and Tektro make a lot of the good economical repair v-brakes. The model numbers change over time.

Are brake calipers Universal?


No, brake calipers are not universal

. That means that you just cannot place brake calipers on any wheel of any car because these calipers are designed to be quite specific in the sense that they should only go with certain cars and certain wheels on specific sides of the car.

What is the difference between sintered and ceramic brake pads?


Sintered brake pads are designed for more aggressive, every day riding and even race use. Sintered brake pads are designed for moderately aggressive use

. These advanced ceramic brake pad composites are ready to withstand higher temperatures than regular semi-metallic carbon brake pads.

Are sintered brake pads better?

Sintered brake pads


They are more durable than organic pads

and should last longer because they can handle dirt and damp conditions a lot better.

What type of brake pads are best ceramic or metallic?


Ceramic brake pads typically last longer than semi-metallic brake pads

, and through their lifespan, provide better noise control and less wear-and-tear to rotors, without sacrificing braking performance.

Are Shimano L02A and L03A compatible?

Also

compatible with Shimano K02S, K02Ti, K03S, K03Ti, L02A and L03A replacement pads

. Resin compound is a medium hardness compound made from softer materials than sintered compound meaning it is usually quieter. Resin pads will give you more initial bite when you first grab the brake lever.

Are Shimano L02A and L03A the same?

Specifically designed for road use, the Shimano L03A Road Disc Brake Pads – Alloy Backed deliver phenomenal stopping power with reduced heat.

What is the difference between J02A and J03A?

What's the difference between j03a and j02a pads? Answer: “Shimano J03A disc brake pads made of resin and equipped with Ice-Tech cooling fins.

40 % more wear resistant than its predecessor J02A

.”

Which is better Deore XT or SLX?

Compared to the SLX,

the new XT feels more crisp and of slightly more high-end quality

. However, the price will show if it's really worth the upgrade. On a purely functional basis, there is little to complain about on the entry-level groupset.

Is Deore compatible with XT?

And here's perhaps the best part: All of these similarities mean that

new Deore is fully cross-compatible with XTR, XT and SLX 12-speed components

. Mix-and-match as your heart (and budget) desires. Equally as good are the colour-shifting graphics used, which change hues based on light angles.

Which is better Shimano Deore XT or SLX?

Shimano SLX

The differences between SLX and Deore at the 12-speed level is mainly in weight and aesthetics.

SLX parts look a little bit more refined

, and the cassette gets an alloy spider which saves about 67g in weight compared to its Deore counterpart.

Are Shimano MT400 good?

Overall,

we've been hugely impressed by the quality, price, reviews and features of Shimano Alivio MT400 Disc Brake Caliper

. We'd say that as long as it fits your budget and meets your expectations in terms of features/spec…it's a really strong contender. That's why we've scored it a massive 9.4/10 overall.

Are Shimano front and rear disc calipers the same?


the caliper is the same but the mountings are different for fork and frame

so you always need an adapter for the front – it can be flipped for either 140 or 160 disc. For the rear, you need an adapter for 160 disc but I think (not 100%) that for 140 disc it bolts directly to the frame.

Is Shimano Saint better than XTR?


XTR/XT/SLX 4 have same performance as Saint

, provided both used with sintered pads. XTR/XT/SLX 4 weight less and are slightly less fade/heat resistant (less caliper material) vs. Saint. XTR/XT/SLX 4 levers (BL-9/8/7120) have a more flat Servo-Wave curve, providing slightly more/better modulation vs.

Are brake pads One size fits all?


No, almost every vehicle model has a different shape of brake pad

. The friction materials that are on the pad are different because almost every vehicle has different requirements and performance capabilities.

Are all V-brakes compatible?


Yes, they all work together

. Only exception is all mini V-brakes.

What are the best V-brake pads?


Swissstop or koolstop pads

always reliably great. The swissstop green pads are best IMO. All pads depend on having good quality clean rims.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.