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Which SRAM brake pad do I need?

Is it time to replace your pads but not sure which ones fit or which compound to use? We’ll help you determine which pad size you need, which pad compound is best for you, and show you the best resources for proper installation.

Want to skip ahead? Use the links below:

Identify your brake pad | Choosing your pad compound | Installing your new pads

Identify your brake pad

Each SRAM caliper needs a specific pad shape for proper fitment and safe, optimal performance. SRAM brake pads are available in Small Asymmetric, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large sizes.

To find your pads, open the Disc Brake Pad Identification Chart.

Identified the correct pad shape, but not sure about compound? Scroll down to Pad Compound.

SRAM Disc Brake pad shapes

Tech tip: Remove your old pads from the caliper and compare the to the shape on the chart.

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Removing top load pads

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Removing bottom load pads

SRAM disc brake serial number location
Using the serial number to identify your caliper

If you don’t have your old pads to confirm shape, you can use the serial number on your caliper to find your brake model and compare it with the models listed in the Disc Brake Pad Identification Chart. To find your serial number, reference the Serial Number Locator Document.

Serial numbers are 11 digits long and are laser etched on the underside of the brake caliper. To locate your serial number, go to the non-drive side of your bike and look at the rear caliper from underneath. If you can’t see it, it might be hiding under the dirt from your latest ride. Wipe the caliper with a dry cloth if necessary.

Once you have your serial number, enter it into the search bar on our SRAM Service site to identify the model and access the relevant service manuals for your component.

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Tech tip: Avoid touching the braking surface of the pad or the rotor. Oil from your hands can contaminate the pad and reduce the braking performance.

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Removing the caliper to access your serial number

Depending on your frame, caliper type, and brake hardware, the Serial Number may not be visible, and the caliper will need to be removed.

Tech tip: Bookmark your brake’s service page in your browser for future reference.

What about Avid brakes?

Brake pads for legacy Avid models are separate from our latest sizing approach. These pads are model-specific, except for Juicy and BB7, which use the same pad shape.

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The Avid calipers and their compatible legacy pad part numbers are:

Avid Juicy/BB7:

  • Quiet: 11.5012.949.000
  • Heavy Duty: 11.5369.207.700
  • Quiet Light: 00.5315.001.020

Avid BB5:
  • Quiet: 11.5369.300.500

2007-2010 Avid Code:
  • Quiet: 00.5315.001.000
  • Heavy Duty: 00.5315.007.000

SRAM disc brake pad compounds

Choose a pad compound

A brake pad’s compound is a mixture of materials bonded to a metal backing plate. It’s the part of the brake pad that contacts your rotor to produce the friction necessary to bring you to a stop.

Available pad compounds

SRAM Brake pad compounds are categorized into two types: Sintered and Organic. Each has unique characteristics that influence how your brakes perform on the trail or road.

The color of the backing plate will differ depending on the compound. Sintered pads have a copper backing plate, while organic pads are black, grey, or bare aluminum. To identify yours, compare your old pad’s backing plate color with the chart below. We suggest replacing your old pads with the same compound, so use the chart to determine what you currently have and what you need. If you switch pad compounds, you will need to replace your rotors. Learn more below:

Copper brake pad

Sintered (Powerful)

Color: Copper

Black brake pad

Organic (Quiet)

Color: Black

Grey brake pad

Organic (Powerful)

Color: Grey

Silver aluminum brake pad

Organic (Lightweight)

Color: Aluminum

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Sintered pads explained

Sometimes referred to as metallic, sintered pads have small metal fibers in the pad compound. Sintered pads are ideal for heavy or extreme duty applications, where resistance to higher temperatures is required, like a steep sustained descent. Sintered pads excel in all conditions, especially in wet and muddy environments. Sintered pads require a more thorough bedding-in process, tend to be louder, and may not have the same initial grab as Organic. However, once warmed up, they deliver consistent performance.

Organic pads explained

Organic pads consist of a blend of organic materials and resin, sometimes called resin pads. They are not the best choice for wet or muddy conditions and tend to wear faster than sintered pads, especially when wet. However, they can provide a more consistent initial bite without the need to warm up, produce less noise, and require less time to bed-in. Many SRAM brakes are shipped with organic pads already installed, so there's a good chance you have them in your brakes.

Changing pad compounds

Sticking to the same compound? Scroll down to Installation. Looking to change it up? Be sure to replace your rotors at the same time.

When changing brake pad compounds, it is crucial to replace the rotors as well to achieve optimal performance with your hydraulic disc brakes. Introducing a new pad compound to a used rotor can create noise and reduce brake performance.

During the bed-in process of hydraulic disc brakes, a thin layer of brake pad material is transferred onto the rotor. This friction between the two surfaces enables powerful braking.

Replacing 'organic' with "organic' and 'sintered' with 'sintered' is generally acceptable. However, certain combinations may still necessitate rotor replacements. Your brakes likely came equipped with our Quiet/Organic (black backing plate). These can be replaced with the same pads or with Quiet/Lightweight Organic pads (aluminum backing plate). Conversely, switching between Quiet/Organic pads and Powerful/Organic pads (gray backing plate), in either direction, requires rotor replacement.

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SRAM brake pad installation

Installing your new brake pads

Once you have determined the correct shape and compound, it is time to install the new brake pads. Select your brakes below for installation instructions.

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Replace top load pads

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Replace bottom load pads

Bedding in your new pads

Brake bed-in is critical for new brake systems, pads, and rotors. Bed-in is the process of controlled slowing to gradually heat the braking surface while evenly transferring brake pad material onto the disc rotors, allowing for consistent performance and minimal noise.

Bedding in your brakes using our specific steps is the only proven way to ensure optimal power, consistent feel, and quieter braking...and it only takes 10 minutes.

Learn more

Brake tuning

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Brake maintenance

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