Save $$$, DIY Shimano Deore Brake Pad Change (No Mechanic Needed)

Shimano Deore Pad Changes: Save Money, Learn a Skill

Shimano Deore brakes are the best value in mountain biking. They stop well, they're reliable, and replacement parts are cheap. Paying a bike shop $40-60 to swap pads that cost $15-25 doesn't make any sense when the job takes 10 minutes. Here's how to do it yourself.

Watch the video for the visual walkthrough, then check the written guide below for the details and pad shape info.

Learn how to change Shimano Deore disc brake pads fast with this step-by-step guide! Whether you’re riding MTB, trail, or downhill, fresh brake pads mean better stopping power and a safer ride. This Shimano brake pad replacement tutorial is perfect for beginners and DIY bike maintenance fans. Fix squeaky brakes, save money, and upgrade your mountain bike performance today! 🔧🚵♂️ #ShimanoDeore #MTBmaintenance #DiscBrakeReplacement #BikeDIY

Which Pad Shape for Your Deore?

This is where people get confused, because Shimano has made several generations of Deore brakes with different pad shapes:

• Deore M6100 / M6120 (current generation, 2020+) – The 2-piston M6100 uses G-type pads. The 4-piston M6120 uses D-type pads. Check your caliper. If it has two pistons (two circles visible when you look inside without pads), it's G-type. Four pistons means D-type.
• Deore M6000 / M615 (previous generation) – These use B-type pads. Still very common on trail bikes from 2015-2020.
• Older Deore (M596, M595, M535, etc.) – Also B-type pads in most cases.

If you're not sure which generation you have, look at the model number printed on the brake lever or caliper body.

Step-by-Step for Deore Brakes

1. Remove the wheel.
2. Locate the pad retaining bolt. On Deore calipers, it's a small 3mm Allen bolt, usually on the outside of the caliper near the top. Some models use a cotter pin instead.
3. Remove the bolt and pull the pads. They slide out the bottom or top of the caliper, connected by a spring.
4. Push the pistons back. Use a flat-head screwdriver or tire lever. Push gently and evenly.
5. Drop the new pads in. Make sure the spring is between them and the friction material faces inward.
6. Reinstall the retaining bolt. Snug, not gorilla-tight.
7. Reinstall wheel and bed in. 10-15 moderate stops from medium speed. No skidding.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Bike Shop

	DIY	Bike Shop
Brake pads (pair)	$15-25	$15-30 (markup)
Labor	Free	$25-40
Time	10 minutes	Drop-off + wait
Total	$15-25	$40-70

Over a season of riding, you might go through 2-4 sets of pads. That's $50-180 in savings just by spending 10 minutes in your garage. Plus, you'll actually understand your brakes, which makes you a better, more confident rider.

Grab your Deore pads from Loam Goat: Shop Shimano brake pads.