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Shimano brake bleed - your preferred method?
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Was quoted $88 + $15 fluid by the LBS last week to bleed my brakes, so I thought i'd give it a crack myself.
First attempt last week saw a nice firm rear caliper, but hitting the trail I noticed my front had little to no pressure. I guess there was some air still in there.
I used the gravity method, by filling from the lever and bleeding through the caliper. I have read up earlier about reverse bleeding by pushing the fluid through the caliper via a syringe and tube, allowing the reservoir to overflow.
What method do you guys use? The method i'm yet to try now seems like a better alternative, as the air should come out easier.
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You Tube.
Best place for answers, helped me no end.
MPN
Go bottom up, which is much easier, faster and better. All you need is a cheap syringe, some 4mm tube and you are set. Just don't forget to tap the caliper and line while pumping fluid in.
I had never bleed a break before, used this method and it worked first time.
There is a workshop article on how to bleed Shimano brakes in the current Australian Mountain Bike magazine.
I bleed it like a car.
- Remove the lever cap, if fluid is old, absorb/suck fluid out and replace with fresh fluid.
- Put 7mm spanner over bleed nipple, then put clear tubing over the nipple and have other end of tubing going into a small bottle or bowl. I prefer a bottle with the hose on the bottom of the bottle. This way if I stuff up, and release the lever without shutting the nipple, it won't suck any air in.
- Once you're set, crack the nipple with the spanner, then just nip it up
- Apply firm pressure to the leaver, then loosen the nipple about 1/4-1/3 turn. The lever will quickly depress and fluid should come out of the nipple into the tube.
- Whilst the lever is being held to the grip, nip up the nipple and then release the lever.
- Repeat this until you have clean fluid coming into the tube. *REMEMBER TO TOP UP FLUID IN RESERVIOR*
If you forget to top up the reservior, you will suck air in and you will have to flush the air through.
It's a clean, neat and fool proof way to bleed shimano brakes.
The new shimano series of levers come with a bucket that makes this process even easier.
I also always give the olive connectors a little tweak with the spanner to ensure they are still tight and sealed.