Brakes: What let's me know when to replace pads?

[Mtnm]

I have the hydraulic brake system on my NeoJumper.
What are the indications for when it is time to replace brake pads?
Do they have a "squeal" indicator like car pads?
Does increased brake lever depression mean the pads are wearing out?


Thanks for any insights.

Mike
Colorado, USA

 

[Lenny]

We recommend that you check the pad thickness every 500 miles.
If serviced properly, it should at least 3-4 thousand miles.
Last week we had a customer come in with 2,000 miles on his Jumper and still had 75% pad thickness.

Increased brake lever depression does not always mean that pads are worn out.

 

[Mtnm]

I am using the bike mostly off road with some rather steep and muddy conditions, so do expect fewer miles on pads.
I can visually see pads, but still not really sure how thin to allow before replacing.
So, no squeal warning?
I also brake more heavily with the rear brake to avoid front fork lock-ups, which I find the Jumper to be prone to, particularly in loose sandy conditions.

Thanks for the reply.

Mike,
Colorado, USA

 

[Lenny]

I am using the bike mostly off road with some rather steep and muddy conditions, so do expect fewer miles on pads.
I can visually see pads, but still not really sure how thin to allow before replacing.
So, no squeal warning?
I also brake more heavily with the rear brake to avoid front fork lock-ups, which I find the Jumper to be prone to, particularly in loose sandy conditions.

If you observe carefully, majority of MTB or e-MTB's would have a larger disc rotor in the front (203mm or 180mm) and a smaller (180mm or 160mm) rotor in the rear.

The reason for larger front rotor is efficient braking, you should engage the front brakes more than the rear. When you're learning, it's okay to use 50:50 but once you start riding technical trails/ longer distances, you should engage the front more than the rear.
We recommend our customers to use front:rear at 65:35 ratio. There is no hard and fast rule but majority of stopping power comes from the front brake.

Jumper uses 160mm rotors both front and rear but the 650B Jumper comes with a larger front rotor. You can get a larger rotor for more stopping power. Sheldon Brown had a nice article related to this: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html

Crazy Lenny's E-bikes
https://www.crazylennysebikes.com/
Contact Len @ 608-575-8711