How to Clean Your Disc Brake Rotors and Pads

In this article: You'll learn how to clean your disc brake rotors and pads with brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to reduce brake noise and restore braking performance.

This Article Applies to the Following Bikes

Difficulty

★☆☆ Easy (Option 1) / ★★☆ Medium (Option 2)

Estimated Time

10–15 Min (Option 1) / 20–30 Min (Option 2)

Before You Start

Which Option Do I Need?

• Option 1: Quick Rotor Clean. For regular maintenance, light squeaking, or brakes that feel slightly weaker than usual. Start here.
• Option 2: Deep Clean Front Rotor and Pads. For noise or weak braking that Option 1 didn't fix.

Tools you will need

• Finish Line Disc Brake Cleaner (also included in the MOD Maintenance Kit), or isopropyl alcohol, 90% or higher
• Clean, lint-free cloths or paper towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Option 2 only: a repair stand, a helper, or the fork protector that came with your bike

Preparation

• Turn the bike off.
• Make sure the rotors are cool. They get very hot during riding.
• A repair stand is best. If you don't have one, keep the bike upright on its kickstand. You can also carefully flip it upside down (see How to Remove and Remount Wheels, Step 1). If you flip it, read the note below first.
• If you have a MOD Easy Sidecar, you must detach the sidecar from its mounting plate before flipping the bike.
• Make sure your hands and tools are clean (avoid contaminating the brake pads with grease).
• Work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames, because both cleaners are flammable.
• Keep chain lube, degreaser and other sprays away from the brakes while you work.

⚠️ Important: Flipping the bike upside down affects the pressure in the brakes, and the brake levers will feel soft. Don't squeeze the brake levers while the bike is upside down. When you're finished, turn the bike upright and squeeze each brake lever a few times until it feels firm again. Do this before you ride.

Option 1: Quick Rotor Clean

Step 1: Prepare the Cloth

1. Put on nitrile gloves. They keep the cleaner off your skin and the natural oils from your hands off the rotor and pads.
2. Spray cleaner onto a clean cloth until it's damp, not dripping.

⚠️ Important: Never spray cleaner directly onto the rotor, caliper or brake lever. Always spray it onto a clean cloth first, then wipe.

Step 2: Wipe the Rotor

1. Pinch the cloth around both sides of the rotor, away from the caliper, and wipe the section you can reach.
2. Roll the bike forward a little to bring a new section of the rotor into reach, and repeat until you've wiped the whole braking surface. If the bike is in a repair stand or upside down, slowly turn the wheel instead.
3. Refold to a clean section and repeat until the cloth comes away clean.

Step 3: Let It Dry and Repeat on the Rear

1. Let the rotor dry completely. This takes about a minute.
2. Repeat on the rear rotor. The rear wheel stays on the bike.
3. If you flipped the bike, turn it upright and squeeze each brake lever a few times until it feels firm.
4. Break in your brakes before riding normally.

⚠️ Note: Once the rotor is clean, don't touch the braking surface with bare fingers.

Option 2: Deep Clean Front Rotor and Pads

Use this option if the front brake still squeaks or feels weak after Option 1. The pads stay in the caliper the whole time. To support the bike while the front wheel is out, use a repair stand, have a helper hold it upright, fit the fork protector that came with your bike, or flip the bike upside down.

Do not squeeze the front brake lever at any point while the front wheel is out.

Step 1: Remove the Front Wheel

1. Follow Step 2A in How to Remove and Remount Wheels.
2. If you're using the fork protector, fit it to the ends of the fork now and rest the front of the bike on it.

⚠️ Important: Don't squeeze the front brake lever while the wheel is out, not even once. Without the rotor between them, the pads close together and the wheel won't fit back in. If this happens, see Resetting Stuck Brake Pads.

Step 2: Clean the Rotor

1. Lay the wheel on a clean cloth with the rotor facing up.
2. Wipe both sides of the rotor with a cloth dampened with cleaner, as in Option 1.

Step 3: Clean the Pads

1. Fold a fresh section of cloth into a thin strip and spray it lightly.
2. Slide the strip into the gap where the rotor normally sits.
3. Gently pull it back and forth to wipe the face of each pad.
4. Repeat with a clean section until the cloth comes away clean.
5. Leave the pads in place, and don't push anything but the cloth into the caliper.

⚠️ Note: If your pads need to come out of the caliper, we recommend taking your bike to a bike mechanic.

Step 4: Let Everything Dry

1. Let the rotor and pads dry completely, about 10 minutes. The pads take longer than the rotor.

Step 5: Reinstall the Front Wheel

1. If you used the fork protector, remove it first.
2. Follow Step 1A in How to Remove and Remount Wheels.
3. Only squeeze the brake lever once the wheel is fully back in and the rotor is between the pads.

Step 6: Test the Brake Lever

1. If you flipped the bike, turn it upright first.
2. Squeeze the brake lever 2–3 times. The lever should feel firm, not mushy.
3. Spin the wheel to ensure it rotates freely without rubbing.
4. Break in your brakes before riding normally.

Break In Your Brakes

Cleaning removes the thin layer of pad material that builds up on the rotor during normal riding. Until it builds back up, your brakes will feel weaker and may squeak. This is the same break-in period a new bike goes through, and it's normal.

1. Find a flat, open area away from traffic.
2. Ride at about 10 mph and brake firmly down to walking pace, without locking the wheel.
3. Repeat 10–20 times, until braking feels strong and consistent.

⚠️ Note: Your first few stops after cleaning will be weaker than usual. Test both brakes at walking speed first.

Troubleshooting

• Brakes squeak right after cleaning → This is normal until the brakes are broken in. Complete the break-in. If the squeak continues, try Option 2.
• Brakes feel weak after cleaning → The rotor or pads may still be wet, or the brakes haven't been broken in. Let everything dry fully, then break in your brakes.
• Wheel won't slide into the caliper → The pads may have closed together. Follow Resetting Stuck Brake Pads.
• Rotor rubs after reinstalling the wheel → Reseat the wheel first: open the quick release, let the wheel settle fully into the fork, and close it again. If it still rubs, the caliper may need adjusting. See the Troubleshooting section of How to Remove and Remount Wheels.
• Brake levers feel soft after flipping the bike → This is normal. Turn the bike upright and squeeze each brake lever a few times to rebuild pressure.
• Brake lever feels soft or pulls to the handlebar → The pads were pressed together while the wheel was out. Follow Resetting Stuck Brake Pads.
• Still squeaking or weak after Option 2 → The pads may be soaked with oil and need resurfacing or replacing. We recommend taking your bike to a bike mechanic, or submit a ticket.

FAQs

• How often should I clean my brakes?
  Whenever they start to squeak or feel weaker, and after washing your bike or lubing the chain.
• Can I use automotive brake cleaner?
  No. Some car brake cleaners contain oil that contaminates bike pads. Use Finish Line Disc Brake Cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.
• Can I use 70% isopropyl alcohol?
  We recommend 90% or higher. 70% contains more water and dries more slowly.
• Is the brake cleaner safe on pads?
  Yes. Use it sparingly and let the pads dry completely before riding.
• Why can't I spray directly onto the rotor?
  Overspray can reach the caliper seals and the brake lever. Spraying onto a cloth keeps the cleaner where you want it.
• Why do my brakes feel weaker after cleaning?
  Cleaning removes the pad material that builds up on the rotor. A short break-in restores it.
• Can I remove the pads to clean them?
  We recommend having a bike mechanic remove and service the pads.

Warning

⚠️ Important Safety & Liability Notice

These instructions are provided as a general guide for MOD BIKES products. Always test both brakes at walking speed after cleaning and before riding in traffic, and make sure the front wheel is fully seated in the fork and the quick-release is properly tightened. Improper maintenance may result in damage, injury, or voiding of warranty.

If you are not confident performing these steps, please seek assistance from a qualified MOD BIKES technician or authorized service provider. MOD BIKES shall not be held liable for injury, damage, or loss caused by improper use, assembly, or failure to follow these guidelines. Local laws and regulations may apply.