Shimano disc brake pad types and compatibility

    Modified at: Jul 12, 2023

    Posted at: Feb 13, 2023

    This section summarizes the types of Shimano disc brake pads, the differences between models, and compatible brake calipers.

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    Shimano disc brake pad types and compatibility

    Table of contents

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    How to Read Shimano Disc Brake Pad Model Numbers

    Shimano disc brake pad model numbers follow a format:
    [Pad Shape][Generation][Backing Plate Material]-[Pad Compound]

    For example, the model number K04Ti-MX means:

    1. Narrow-type K pad shape
    2. 4th generation
    3. Titanium backing plate
    4. Metal pad compound

    Pad Shape

    Pad shapes include Narrow Type K, L, G, J, etc., and these are determined by the brake caliper’s design.

    Generation

    Newer generations tend to offer improved wear resistance and overall performance.

    Backing Plate Material

    The backing plate affects weight and heat dissipation. Common materials include:

    • Ti: Titanium
    • C: Composite
    • S: Stainless Steel
    • A: Aluminum

    Pad Compound

    The compound is usually either:

    • M: Metal
    • R: Resin

    In newer generations, you might also see RF (Resin Friction), among others.
    If the pad includes radiator fins, the model number may end with F, although some fin-equipped pads may not show -F in the model number.

    If there’s no hyphen in the model number, it typically indicates a resin pad.

    Shimano Road Disc Brake Calipers and Compatible Pad Model Numbers

    For Shimano road disc brake calipers, there are three primary pad types based on shape:

    • Narrow Type K
    • Narrow Type L
    • Narrow Type G

    The current generation primarily uses:

    • Narrow Type K (no fins)
    • Narrow Type L (with fins)

    These two are functionally compatible, with the only difference being the presence or absence of heat-dissipating fins.

    Narrow Type G pads are for older-generation disc brakes.

    Model number Material Pad shape Piston type Fin BR-R9170 BR-R8070 BR-R7070 BR-4770 BR-RS805 BR-RS505 BR-RS405 BR-RS305 BR-RX810 BR-RX400 BR-CX77 BR-RS785 BR-R785 BR-R517 BR-R317
    K05Ti-RX Resin NarrowK 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    K04Ti-MX Metal NarrowK 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    K04S-MX Metal NarrowK 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    K03S Resin NarrowK 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    K03Ti Resin NarrowK 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    L05A-RF Resin NarrowL 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    L04C-MF Metal NarrowL 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    L03A Resin NarrowL 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    G04Ti-MX Metal NarrowG 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    G04S-MX Metal NarrowG 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    G03A Resin NarrowG 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎
    G03S Resin NarrowG 2 piston ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎ ◎

    The choice would be whether to select the L series with radiator fins or the K series without. Next, the material of the back plate and padding will determine which model you choose.

    When replacing pads, pay attention to the pads that are compatible with the disc rotors.

    In Shimano’s disc brake system, the choice of rotors depends on whether the caliper side has narrow or wide pads. This is because if the calipers are compatible with wide pads, rotors for narrow pads cannot be used.

    Also, some rotors may have “resin only” compatible pads, so if you are using resin only rotors and replace them with metal pads, you will need to replace the rotors with metal compatible rotors as well.

    Keep in mind that which pads you choose will also affect the rotors.

    Types of disc brake rotors and how to select them

    Disc brake rotors are an unassuming part, but they have a significant impact on the effectiveness of disc brakes. We have compiled a list of the different types of rotors, how to select one, and the lineup of rotors from major manufacturers.

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