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Disc brake bleeding kits


Rune's picture

By Rune - Posted on 07 February 2011

Does it make much difference what bleeding kit is used?
I've seen some Shimano specific ones, as well as some Universal kits, and I'm not sure which I should buy.

Thanks,
Greg

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Rune's picture

BTW ... this is for Shimano XTR brakes. Thanks

leopafe's picture

Greg, to bleed Shimano brakes you don't need a bleed kit at all (Shimano bleed kit is more than $80). I made mine with one metre of 4mm silicon tube from Mitre 10 and a large syringe from Super Cheap Auto (total cost $17). The hardest thing here is to get brake mineral oil at sensible prices (excludes all LBS), which I managed at a motor bike shop (Motorex brand).
Use these bits to bleed bottom up, what gives a much better result than Shimano's method.

Cheers

Rune's picture

I read through their process and it did seem overly complicated. Nice to know it doesn't have to be! Thanks.

sunny's picture
to bleed Shimano brakes you don't need...

I take it...bleed kits would be more sensible for other brands? (Avids?)

hawkeye's picture

If you're on the northern beaches, I can give you a hand.

You'll need to bring:
* a bottle of Shimano mineral brake oil,
* a barb and olive for each hose you want to shorten from your LBS, and
* the instruction sheet (so I can review it for any potential quirks - normally it's pretty straightforward).

Rune's picture

Thanks hawkeye! I'll give it a go as soon as I get some free time and pick up some equipment (hopefully this week at some point).
If I have any issues, I'll be back!

Greg

darkmuncan's picture

you may benefit....

from this!

/

Video Tutorial on Bleeding Shimano Brakes.

I give the Avid Elixir one a quick perusal every few months when I bleed the Elixir's on my 2 bikes as a refresher.

Takes 5-10mins.

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