The Whats and Hows of ATV Brake Pads

One look at the current crop from the big quad bike makers, and you’ll see that ATVs and side-by-sides are getting bigger, more powerful, and more capable with the added grunt and better drivetrains. Engines now average 700ccs, with sports machines ticking one liter or upwards. Some bikes easily reach 100mph and can be a handful without the right brake setup. 

What’s the Role of ATV Brakes

Regardless of how or where you use your quad, a decent braking setup is vital for safety and performance. The parts are not just about stopping or slowing down but also help you avoid common obstacles like ruts, debris, tree stumps, and boulders and make minor adjustments when keeping race lines. But worn or sticky brakes can make basic steering and turning maneuvers difficult, to the point that you’ll soon be changing the ATV brake pads or upgrading the discs. 

How Do ATV Brakes Work

Drum brakes are limited to low-powered and kid’s machines, usually only on the rear axle. Even 50cc machines have discs up front, with bigger and heavier quad bikes now going with racing-spec fixed discs. Brakes actuate when pulling the lever or pressing the pedal, with one or multiple pistons in calipers lining the discs pressing internal pads against the discs. The friction of pads and discs is what brings the quad to a stop or slows it down. This is aided by master cylinders that push high-pressure brake fluid through brake lines. Not much different from brakes in cars or trucks. 

The difference though is the settings in which ATV brakes need to perform. Constant exposure to water, mud, gravel and debris can reduce the contact area that the pads have with the rotors, meaning less efficient braking, and the likelihood that parts will corrode or have uneven wear. You’ll notice this with longer stopping distances or a spongy brake feel.

What Are the Signs of Worn Brakes

Before your brakes completely fail, the quad will give you a few warning signs: 

• Brake warning light is on – the indicator light means the quad is up for servicing or that there are more serious problems with the brakes. A thorough inspection can determine what’s wrong and whether you need replacement parts. 
• Noises when applying the brakes – squealing, screeching or grinding noises often point to worn brake pads, and that the backing plates are rubbing against the discs. Noises can also result from foreign objects, or in some cases, seized caliper pistons. 
• Longer stopping distances – brake fade or the brakes taking longer than usual to bring the quad to a safe stop is down to worn friction material in the pads. And this can be a safety hazard, especially if you need to stop abruptly. 
• Vibrations and the quad veering left or right– wheel wobble, steering wheel and handlebar vibrations and the quad veering to the sides is a sign of misaligned pads or uneven wear in the left and right wheels. Glazed pads worn down to the resin keeping the different metal layers together is another symptom. 
• Brake fluid leaks and spongy brake feel – these two are related. A spongy or soft brake will take longer to actuate, usually due to low pressure or brake fluid leaks. Check for punctures in the brake lines and the condition of the master cylinder. Additionally, bleed the system of air pockets. 

In most cases, it’s the ATV brake pads that need replacing. Stock parts like discs, calipers and master cylinders are meant to last quite a few more miles than the pads the quad came with. Putting off repairs till later, or completely ignoring warning signs will not only advance wear in other parts but are also a safety trap. 

Which Pads Suit Your Quad

Regular checkups and inspecting pads for wear ensure proper stopping. Quads that see more abuse, and are often run in harsher conditions such as mud or technical trails will see pads wear out sooner. What you choose as a replacement also  depends on your riding style and the power output of the bike. 

Organic 

These are a mix of metallic fibers, glass, rubber and in some cases Kevlar. They’re the cheapest to buy, easier on the discs, relatively quiet (good for surveillance and hunting), and offer a decent brake feel. Most entry-level ATVs and side-by-sides have them as stock. Where they fail is the lower brake force or bite, meaning slightly longer stopping distances and the brake dust they throw up as they wear. For everyday raiding, on obstacle-free hardpacked trails with few descents and inclines, organic pads are a decent choice. 

Metallic 

These come either as semi-metallic quad bike brake pads, often seen as stock equipment in mid to high-spec bikes with higher power output. Or sintered pads meant for the best braking performance from higher speeds. Semi-metallic types are a mix of several metal fibers including copper, iron, steel and composite alloys bound together with resins and graphite for improved durability.

They offer better brake feel, faster initial bite, faster brake response and shorter stopping distances. The tougher materials sustain higher temperatures from the friction of pads and discs, ensuring safety at higher speeds. They do have a few negatives though. Semi-metallic pads are harder on the discs, causing accelerated wear, quite a bit louder in hard braking than organic types, and, more expensive. 

Choose sintered pads if you’re after the best braking performance. These also include metals fibers and particles, but throw in ceramics and hard-wearing composites to deal with even higher heat levels. They have the best brake feel, are the fastest to actuate, and get the quad to a complete stop in the shortest distance. Their durability means they can also withstand prolonged or frequent periods of hard braking with consistent results. And compared to ceramic pads, they take longer to warm up and perform. 

Ceramic 

Ceramic ATV brakes come directly from track applications. Being the newest and consisting of ceramic and metal fibers and polymer binders, they combine the pros of metallic and organic types, albeit with a higher price. They’re the quietest of the bunch, easiest on the discs, and don’t throw up pad dust. What’s more, ceramic brake pads are comparable to sintered types in terms of brake feel and actuation, so offer high performance with some of the shortest stopping distances. Ceramics also last longer, and offer a better feel in mud or water, but take some time to warm up. 

Summing It Up 

Brake pads are the parts that you’ll be changing more often. Choose between organic, metallic and ceramic types according to your quad bike, your riding style and where you ride. Once installed, give them some time to run in, and check for wear in discs and calipers and whether brake fluid creates the required pressure for safe braking.