Do brake pads harden and need to be replaced?

[OldTimer79]

Had my Trek 7.3 out for a ride today. Noticed that the brakes seemed to be a bit noisier and not quite as grippy. Do the pads dry and get hard (bike is a year old) and should I just plan to install new pads annually?

 

[alfeng]

Yes, the contact surface of rubber brake pads, like the outer surface of many pencil erasers, can dry and develop a similar type of glazing ... You can try de-glazing the contact surface with a small piece of emery cloth ... This can be done without removing the pads from the brakes BUT I would probably remove the wheels from the frame & fork to de-glaze the brake pads. Of course, you can buy replacement pads if that is your preference.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

Unless your bike was stored in the sun, a high ozone environment or near certain solvents or chemicals it is doubtful your pads significantly hardened in a year. Try cleaning them with soap and water.

 

[OldTimer79]

OK thanks. Bike is always stored inside a locked she'd and never sees inclement weather. I will try cleaning.

 

[jhuskey]

Be sure and also clean the rims where the pads make contact.