Joyor S10-S-Z · Brakes

Weak brakes or worn brake pads

The scooter takes longer to stop. Pads wear out; checking and swapping them is a normal job.

Difficulty: MediumTime: 30–45 minutes9 things you need

Is this your problem?

  • Longer stopping distance
  • Grinding or metal scraping sound when braking
  • Lever pulls further than it used to

Likely causes

1
Pads worn thinHow to tell: Look into the caliper slot: less than about 1 mm of pad material left, or metal touching the disc.
2
Oil on the pads or discHow to tell: Brakes were fine, then suddenly weak and noisy after cleaning or lubing the scooter.
3
New pads not bedded inHow to tell: Right after fitting new pads.
Check this first

With a torch, look into the caliper from above and see how much pad is left on each side of the disc.

What you need

Tools

Example photo: Hex (Allen) keys, metricExample photo
Hex (Allen) keys, metric

A metric set, roughly 2 mm to 8 mm. Long-arm keys reach the recessed bolts on the stem and deck.

Photo: Leon Brooks, Public domain, resized
Example photo: Torx driversExample photo
Torx drivers

A Torx set (T10–T30 covers most scooters). Brake disc bolts are often Torx; check the head shape before you buy.

Photo: JaredMcKenzie, CC0, resized
Example photo: Pad spreader / piston pressExample photo
Pad spreader / piston press

Pushes the caliper pistons back before new, thicker pads go in. A clean plastic tyre lever also works.

Photo: JaredMcKenzie, CC0, resized
Example photo: Isopropyl alcoholExample photo
Isopropyl alcohol

90% or stronger. Cleans oil off brake discs and dries without leaving anything behind. Not the same as rubbing alcohol with added oils.

Photo: João Carlos Ávila, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized
Example photo: Clean lint-free clothExample photo
Clean lint-free cloth

A clean microfibre cloth or paper towel. Never one that has had oil or polish on it for brake work.

Photo: Polyesterchen, Public domain, resized
Example photo: Nitrile glovesExample photo
Nitrile gloves

Keep skin oil off the brake parts, and brake fluid off your skin.

Photo: unknown, Public domain, resized
Example photo: Calipers or a rulerExample photo
Calipers or a ruler

To measure pad thickness and disc thickness. A cheap plastic set is fine.

Photo: ArtMechanic, CC BY-SA 3.0, resized

Parts

Example photo: Brake pads for your caliperExample photo
Brake pads for your caliper

Pads are shaped to the caliper. Order ones listed for the Joyor S10-S-Z, or take an old pad to a shop to match the shape.

Photo: PetarM, CC BY-SA 3.0, resized
Example photo: What worn pads look likeExample photo
What worn pads look like

For comparison: pads worn down close to the metal backing. Replace before they get this far.

Photo: Troy Sankey, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized

Photos show the kind of tool or part, not a specific product. We don’t sell anything and get nothing from any shop.

Step by step

Tap a step when it’s done to keep your place.

  1. Get the right pads

    Pads must match your caliper’s shape. Order pads listed for the S10-S-Z, or take one old pad to a shop to match it.

  2. Remove the old pads

    Pads are held by a pin or bolt through the caliper, often with a small clip. Remove the clip and pin, and slide the pads out. Some calipers need taking off the arm first (two bolts).

  3. Push the pistons back

    New pads are thicker. Push both pistons back into the caliper, evenly, with a pad spreader or clean plastic tyre lever. Do not use a screwdriver: it scratches the pistons.

  4. Clean the disc

    Wipe the disc on both sides with isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth. Do not touch the braking surface with fingers.

  5. Fit the new pads

    With the spring between them, same way round as the old ones. Pin and clip back in. Squeeze the lever several times until it feels firm.

  6. Bed them in

    Ride at a gentle speed and brake firmly to walking pace, about 10–20 times. This lays pad material onto the disc and gives full power.

Stay safe

  • Test on a quiet road before riding normally.
  • Always change pads in pairs (both sides of a caliper).

When to take it to a shop

If the disc is scored deep, bent or thinner than the size stamped on it.

Also check

Written for the Joyor S10-S-Z using the maker’s published specs and error list (Joyor technical guide) plus general repair practice for scooters built this way. Parts and fittings can change between production batches: if yours looks different, trust your scooter and its manual. Repairs are at your own risk.

Found a mistake? Tell us.