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The Complete Pre-Spring Brake Maintenance Guide

sorwar
sorwar

September 24, 2026 · 21 min read

The Complete Pre-Spring Brake Maintenance Guide

Why brakes matter before spring

Winter leaves grit, salt and moisture on every braking surface. A ten-minute inspection now prevents a costly repair in April. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Brake maintenance step 1
Step 1 in the process

Check the pads

Look for wear indicator lines and glazing. Pads under 1.5 mm of material should be replaced. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Tools

Use torque wrench settings from the manual:

M6 caliper bolt: 6-8 Nm
Rotor bolt: 4 Nm

Inspect rotors and rims

Run a fingernail across the braking surface; a visible lip means it is wearing thin. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Brake maintenance step 3
Step 3 in the process

Cables and hydraulic lines

Look for fraying, kinks and rust. On hydraulic systems check for weeping at the fittings. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Adjust and bleed

A spongy lever usually means air in the line or a stretched cable. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Brake maintenance step 5
Step 5 in the process

Test before you ride

Roll the bike slowly and apply each brake firmly. Both should stop the bike smoothly and quietly. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Why brakes matter before spring

Winter leaves grit, salt and moisture on every braking surface. A ten-minute inspection now prevents a costly repair in April. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Brake maintenance step 1
Step 1 in the process

Check the pads

Look for wear indicator lines and glazing. Pads under 1.5 mm of material should be replaced. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Tools

Use torque wrench settings from the manual:

M6 caliper bolt: 6-8 Nm
Rotor bolt: 4 Nm

Inspect rotors and rims

Run a fingernail across the braking surface; a visible lip means it is wearing thin. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Brake maintenance step 3
Step 3 in the process

Cables and hydraulic lines

Look for fraying, kinks and rust. On hydraulic systems check for weeping at the fittings. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Adjust and bleed

A spongy lever usually means air in the line or a stretched cable. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Brake maintenance step 5
Step 5 in the process

Test before you ride

Roll the bike slowly and apply each brake firmly. Both should stop the bike smoothly and quietly. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Why brakes matter before spring

Winter leaves grit, salt and moisture on every braking surface. A ten-minute inspection now prevents a costly repair in April. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Brake maintenance step 1
Step 1 in the process

Check the pads

Look for wear indicator lines and glazing. Pads under 1.5 mm of material should be replaced. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Tools

Use torque wrench settings from the manual:

M6 caliper bolt: 6-8 Nm
Rotor bolt: 4 Nm

Inspect rotors and rims

Run a fingernail across the braking surface; a visible lip means it is wearing thin. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Brake maintenance step 3
Step 3 in the process

Cables and hydraulic lines

Look for fraying, kinks and rust. On hydraulic systems check for weeping at the fittings. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Adjust and bleed

A spongy lever usually means air in the line or a stretched cable. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.

Brake maintenance step 5
Step 5 in the process

Test before you ride

Roll the bike slowly and apply each brake firmly. Both should stop the bike smoothly and quietly. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot. Take your time and work through one wheel at a time, cleaning as you go, so that any change you make can be checked on the spot.

What to look for

Steps

  1. Clean the surface
  2. Measure and compare
  3. Replace if worn

A brake you have not checked is a brake you cannot trust.