How to fix: Worn brake pads: how do you go about it?

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Braking is a matter of safety: if you have any doubt at all during this job, don't ride, and have it checked by a professional. The diagnosis is confirmed: worn brake pads, which reduce bite and, once down to bare metal, risk scoring the disc. Pads are friction linings that clamp onto the disc; they wear down normally with mileage. The fix, in principle: check the remaining lining thickness and replace the pads in pairs (always both from the same caliper) as they approach the minimum spec (often around 1.5 to 2 mm of lining, or at the wear indicator -- check your manual). Replacing pads is an intermediate-level job, manageable for a careful home mechanic, since it doesn't open the hydraulic circuit: you push the pistons back, pull the retaining pin and the old pads, and fit the new ones. Risk level: moderate, but on a vital component -- be rigorous. On budget: a set of pads runs roughly 15 to 60 euros depending on quality and brand (organic or sintered; recognized brands like Brembo, Galfer, EBC). Important: after reassembly, pump the lever or pedal several times before riding to bring the pistons back against the pads, and gently bed in the new pads (progressive braking over the first few kilometers). Also check the disc's condition: pads left down to bare metal may have scored it. If in doubt, hand the job to a certified mechanic. This tool helps you understand what's going on -- it doesn't replace a certified mechanic.