How to Bleed Shimano Disc Brakes - Mountain Bike Maintenance

[@enriquemaya7624]

Neil, after reviewing this video; I'm happy to tell you that I have completed my first-time brake bleed. Thank you for making this so so much easier.

[@andrejbjorn]

good for you!

[@McKevittS]

Thanks guys. I'm sure my LBS hates how easy you make routine maintenance on my bike for me, but I really appreciate it. I love doing my own work on my bike

[@jodelboy]

A fat "thank you!" Never had the need to bleed my Shimano XTs as I am still impressed with them. But since you're talking about spongy brake feel, it dawned on me that this got worse and worse now - Will do this on the weekend for sure.

[@reneglimmerveen1428]

'

[@pedalstrikemtb5830]

I always come back to this demo when I’m fiddling with lines, top ups and bleeds. Good tips thx Neil.

[@stephencutajar2548]

A useful tip, use a syringe to suck out the oil if the funnel is full 4:00, to prevent removing it each time to empty it.

[@Bosplya]

Thx Neil for this video. Local bike shop was going to charge me $100 plus to install just the front XTR brand new brake setup. I only needed a syringe. Went to the local drug store and all I can find was the free syringes they give with certain medications. It got the job done. What helped me is that I've installed brand new big brake setups for my cars in the past. Thanks again from Arizona, USA.

[@orkbolta5666]

Thank you so much for this tutorial for it has taught me that I am better off taking it to a local shop and letting them handle it for me for a very deserved fee.

[@cameronroche9239]

This is one of the best maintenance videos you guys have done!! My favourite - top job +Neil Donoghue

[@scotttandy1161]

Thanks to this, done my first ever brake bleed today, and now my brake feels the dream. Thanks a bunch for taking the time to make this video it was proper helpful

[@FrothySpoons]

Thanks homeboy skillet ! Just bled my brakes myself for the first time ever and they feel stronger than they ever have before

[@bl1nky319]

Hmm this channel has everything to service the entire bike good job gmbn

[@bl1nky319]

Yayyy pinned

[@Vlogimo]

Love this tutorial, so methodical and clear. I was struggling with my rear brake caliper, followed the steps and fixed it. Bike shop solution was replace caliper and brake lever plus hose.

[@D0WNT0WN]

My XT's are in need of a good bleed so I'm planning on using this video as my guide. Thanks very much for this. -Alex

[@SilentRONIN26]

Yes. After 4 previous attempts i managed to bleed my MTB rear brake using this method. Thanks for the video.

[@rjmclean1979]

Thanks for the video. Managed to get full power back to my rear brakes. Nothing improved until I pulled the brake lever with the bleed valve open then boom full breaking returned. I just left the pads on when performing doing the job

[@joshfrerking6071]

Great video. I've only been riding for about a yearreally and had my first attempt at bleeding my Shimano Brakes tonight. Went seamless with this video. Thanks!

[@alanpage3827]

Thanks GMBN. I just topped up my rear Shimano XT brake on a tandem, and a couple of clues from the video helped give a prompt and positive outcome: change angle of brake lever, lift front wheel 2-3ft off the ground, and make sure that the hose fittings are tight. Cheers.

[@themott123]

I use an epic bleed solutions kit. It uses two syringes rather than the funnel. Works a treat and only £15!

[@justinasbudnikas2748]

Tried couple of other videos but was not satisfied with the feel of the lever stiffness. Now its stiff and works brilliant. Brakes Shimano Saint.

[@HughDWallace]

Always good to watch a video on how to bleed your brakes the day after you've bled your brakes & not find anything you've done wrong! Thanks for the peace of mind though. And I'm well impressed by how little oil you seem to have spread over your workshop floor compared to me...😂

[@cameronyoung5286]

Thanks for the video, Neil. Worked well for me. Altho, I did have to drop my rear caliper to get the air out of the system. The hose is routed through the frame and couldn't get the lever firm until I released the caliper.

[@swans2k7]

Looks way easier than Avid bleed.

[@serebruss1]

I'm only new to mtn biking , I actually just bought my first dual suspension with these disc breaks . As an old bmxer I have to say they were lot easier to fix and work on then these bad boys. I think I be taking my new mtn bike into the shop when this needs to be done .

[@tatougiraglia935]

the best description, according me. the most comprehensive.

[@elanorfairbairn]

Thanks GMBN! Just bleeded my very first brakes with the help of this video❤❤

[@vonderalm628]

Ive seen many bleedbrake vids but now I understand, thanks gmbn.

[@CurvedSlightly]

You should have the lever horizontal Donny

[@mitchellmetz1]

Used this for my car, and it worked like a charm!

[@garygilbert1127]

I use a syringe with a length of airline and an upturned plastic dropper bottle with the bottom cut out screwed into the reservoir. All I had to buy was the syringe as opposed to fifteen pounds for the bleed kit, an airline connector with the correct thread would be another good option for attaching to the reservoir.

[@tonyboughman8050]

Best video instructional I've seen because of the details. Obviously spoken from experience. Thanks much Neil!

[@MartFish]

Thanks Don, top tip at 8’05” saved me loads of faff with the pads and fixed soggy lever issue with my bike that’s just sat still fora while

[@lima188]

Cheers Don. I don't really have to do this in my bike right know but as a mechanic apprentice I've just done the same today but in a car. It is really the same procedure. Awesome stuff.

[@roadyeti3697]

Great vid. Thanks. Glad to see someone has their brakes levers on the correct sides. Right front for anyone that grew up on motos. I always enjoy the debate though

[@sijmes]

Depends on what side of the road people drive in your country. Manufacturers are obliged to sell you the correct setup, including, lights, reflectors etc.

[@richrider5884]

Some people set their levers by which is their dominant hand. People tend to have more finger control with their dominant hand. Nondominant hand could lead to full panic lock up.

[@grotye]

Could you please do a video on how to use the free stroke screw!

[@gaz2251]

It says free stroke screw on my brake lever housing.

[@CuiZinieR7]

Why do you need to push the pistons back? In my understanding, the pistons have their position according to the pads + rotor thickness so if you push them back, you allow less space for the brake fluid in the system. Therefore, the feeling at the lever won't be that good because you need to squeeze it longer to push the pistons to push the pads until they actually touch the rotor and start braking. Or am I missing something?

[@Rebecca-Rose]

Good question! This becomes an issue when you need to replace your pads. If you bleed with the pistons forward, you won't be able to push them back to accommodate the thicker new pads, because the fluid will be in the way!

[@CuiZinieR7]

@@Rebecca-Rose OK I understand. But in that case, you may rather remove some fluid or reflush your system because to me, the goal is always to have the best feeling at the brake levers, independently of the brake pads thickness.

[@steveblackbird]

Really Enjoying watching the GMBN vids...Thank You guys!!! Coming from a BMX racing backround it's really awesome to see all these tips and tricks and how to vids on the ins and outs of MTB's.. Lot's of useful information... plus a lot of the info is much the same as in BMX racing... no doubt where most of the stars in these vids cut their teeth :) keep up the awesome work guys... Cheers From Australia!

[@SwearyCyclist]

Helpful little video, especially as I had to detach the hose from lever to route the Saint on my bronson and lost some fluid.

[@JLPicard440]

Good Video, Thanks! My local bike shop was sold out of the syringe, so I decided to try it like bleeding car brakes... hold a little pressure, crack the bleed screw... 3 or 4 times and it worked great! Brakes are tight again.... I figured I had nothing to loose, if it didn't work, I'd just get a syringe from amazon!

[@mynameisfin]

Take a Bath Productions you can get syringes at any chemists or pharmacy. The ones for administering kids medicine are perfect.

[@GNX157]

I'd do it just like you did. Pushing fluid up from the caliper makes no sense to me. Just keep the res topped up and keep going till the fluid runs clear down at the nipple hose.

[@CurvedSlightly]

Also, I'd clean the pads and maybe even take the surface off while you're at it and also then go and watch the HOPE video on how to align the caliper. It's 'THE' 'ONLY' thing HOPE have ever done that's any good :D

[@Wasmachineman]

I can confirm this guide also works for Deore M615 brakes, my rear brake could use a bleed, so I used a Magura HS33 bleed kit.

[@bridgermurray2773]

Thanks I run m615s as well. Why did you use a Magura bleed kit on those though?

[@Wasmachineman]

Bridger Murray Because i'm a cheap fool and I can't be arsed to pay the $$$ for the Shimano bleed kit. Hell, you could get two syringes from your pharmacy for a few cents and be done with it.

[@deecarter1059]

Great video, but why don't you position the brake lever so that it's completely horizontal? The bleed funnel will be more stable and it'll hold a whole lot more oil.

[@timothyranken4238]

Easy! Just follow these 782 simple steps, and your brakes will be in fine working order!

[@slimetime4668]

Timothy Ranken lol all I got from this video was just take it the bike shop

[@SteveMe21685]

😂😂I’m wearing my coffee right now because that comment

[@davidwood815]

Really good presentation. Easy to follow, like the thouroughness

[@jmd_9203]

I like how their rear shocks alone cost almost as much as my whole bike! Life of a pro, having sponsors and all

[@sadsausage2224]

Thank you so much! This was the only tutorial that helped me bleed my bike! 😀👍

[@stuart3744]

This has been a great help for me, you mentioned that you can try a quick way with just attaching the lever pot filled with fluid to release air, is this done with pads and wheel attached or with wheel and pads removed and the pad block inserted.

[@tonymorgan9283]

I used chip pan oil 5 years ago and still working great

[@zonenuke]

I've used vegtable oil in all my bikes that take mineral oil for 30 years now, it's never caused any problems or ever caused Corrosion in my parts or o rings and works extremely well i would go to say it works better and gives to good stiif non spongy breaks

[@pinbike]

Perfect tips. Helped me troubleshoot my problems!

[@gen-X-trader]

Another quick tip you can get 50cc syringes on eBay for a few cents each that have a spout which fits the same size plastic tubing as the Shimano brake caliper requires. One load up of oil for the entire flush and much less chance of introducing air

[@tronicit]

Great video using the Shimano kit! Many thanks .

[@ifthebeltiscrackedor]

Thank you AGAIN. Keep forgetting since it's so long between the times I do it on daily driver.

[@johndgower3733]

An excellent demo, makes the job very straightforward, thanks 👍

[@joelonsdale]

This is the best brake video I have seen - really clear and thorough. Nice one! Liked and Subscribed...

[@theoutsmarter7662]

ProTIp: Remember to keep the funnel (with oil) on the brake lever. Thus, oil that was from the funnel will go back into the system to take place of the oil/air that was in the brake calliper.

[@jasongraham1186]

Could you do a video on disc brake pad/rotor burn in? I've read a lot and seen some amateur videos, but it'd be great to see a pro video. Thanks!

[@renantelapina]

could you show us how to service a Thomson dropper seatpost pls.

[@adamcrookedsmile]

bled my front brake yesterday evening, thanks for the tutorial. Two questions: 1) the fluid that came out into the spill container was clear, not pink. What does that imply? 2) There's a second screw on the brake lever next to the bleed port. What's it for?

[@dermazer7471]

adamcrookedsmile there are different colors for mineral oil, nothing wrong with it. It is just bad if it is black or brown.

[@sar3628]

Great vid, thanks guys.. but I have to ask.. who the hell engineered the hydraulic brake system for MTBs? Surely there is a better way??

[@YardworkWithJohn]

I tried this tonight. After two full syringe flushes, the lever was still super soft. Getting ready for a third try, I squeezed the lever agian with the spacer in there and fluid started leaking out of the piston itself in the caliper. It was a real mess. This brake has over 10,000 miles on it so I guess I can't complain, but what a bummer. I"ll try to rebuild since they're super simple but I'm thinking something unfixable may have broken inside there.

[@nickpayne9300]

How about a tubeless tire setup and maintenance video?! I just recently switched and know nothing about them. Thanks

[@glockasauruswrex6362]

Doing my 1st hyd brake conversion and the video really helps. Your whole channel is a fantastic resource, many videos saved for my next Fatty E-bike build! Thank you!

[@BinaryArcher]

By far the best video on this

[@31acruz]

Nicely done, kept it simple and to the point. Good job!

[@philippienaar2065]

Great video - really clear step-by-step instructions. Thank you.

[@MyThinkin]

Yea, great. Only problem is the plastic tube and bag usualy slips off the brake caliper. But still the best way.

[@singingwolf3929]

Can we possibly expect to see a video on how to upgrade from rim brakes to disc brakes? Love your content. Going for a ride later this morning

[@gmbn]

+SingingWolf's Random DIY and Gear in what sense would you like to see them? We have some videos on adjusting fitting disc brakes.

[@singingwolf3929]

I guess I'm looking for a tutorial on how to take a bike with rim brakes and install disc brakes on to it. I'm not sure if full disc installation is covered on your adjusting or fitting videos

[@gmbn]

+SingingWolf's Random DIY and Gear we'll add it to the ideas list and certainly try and shoot it soon...

[@paulwrite1405]

Your the first person to say check the brake lines and for leaks to see if there is a reason why you have air in the system

[@denishuber7758]

i actually have a bike with an v brake setup... but. this video looks like even me could do that...who never did this awesome job... big like !!!

[@BBB-Fremont]

Great video with straightforward details . Thank you!

[@sumotherdude]

so good, neil is a legend. killing it with the channel guys!

[@janmajnik6889]

Hi guys need a bit of help from you. Bought my first proper mountain bike, second hand (Cube Acid). Most of the bike is fine except the owner did not maintain it (if at all) but I got it really cheap so I took it. Problem is both the hydraulic brakes are shot, so they need to be bled, oil and disc pads changed. I'm not an expert since I'm new with this stuff. When I inspected the brakes at home I noticed that one brake piston on the front and both on the back do not retract properly inside when I release the lever. Also one back piston is completely not moving either in or out. My question is should I bother trying to fix them or should I scrap them and buy new brakes? Brakes are Shimano BR-M445. Thanks for the help. Appreciate it.

[@schleusnerr]

I had the shop do my brakes this spring and I need them done again. I thought my brake pads were wearing down fast due to a bad rotor but nope. I bought a kit to do it myself, but if the oil still looks good is it worth it to do a full bleed? I'm leaning towards your comment of just letting some air bubbles out, then add a little more fluid. If that still feels spongy, then do the full bleed.

[@nextari]

For the casual trail rider, aren’t mechanical disc brakes going to be easier all around? I’m looking at the rock hopper base model, even though I’ve heard their mechanical discs are weak. I just don’t want to fuss with all this especially traveling in a van.

[@OHkilborne]

Why wouldn’t you fill the cup up top and just use the syringe the pull fluid down through the system? Is contaminated mineral oil lighter than new stuff? Why not work with gravity rather than against it?

[@simonwhitehouse7707]

Well demonstrated. Clear and precise. Thanks

[@karmakencho4622]

Does all shimano breaks use same method for bleeding or different ways? Thank you🙂

[@ZIPTRAVELS]

The funnel that collects the old oil should be level on the handlebar.

[@photolunatic4552]

Great vid! How much this should cost at a bike shop? I've got no stand or bleed tools. Thanks.

[@Sennepo]

Damn those sram avid brakes, I'll buy shimano next time.

[@shlep444]

+Magnus s. avids are super easy to bleed tbh...

[@shlep444]

as a mechanic who bleeds them regularly, I honestly think they are a ten minute job

[@shlep444]

I agree I would never buy avids ever, as saints > everything, but Ive been mega impressed by the new guides (which admittedly aren't part of the avid family). I have to agree though that ive seen plenty of worn out internals on avids, but most of the time I find the owner hasn't looked after them properly (not saying you havn't)

[@vintagerider4301]

That looks so much more easy than my $%#&$#! Magura... I know what to buy next...

[@hawkeye7862]

Magnus s. Shimano only

[@sticrzy123]

Use old pads inside the caliper and a screwdriver to push pistons back in

[@boringuserhandle]

Great video. Pretty easy process compared to the Hopes

[@barbarale759]

I wish you could teach the workers at REI bike shop how to properly bleed brake oils

[@adammcallister5047]

In this vid you didn't pump the brake lever while injecting fluid into the system, only after you closed off the valve on the caliper. Does it help to pump the brake while bleeding, or does it matter? Are you more likely to get air bubbles out that way?

[@calebhale4320]

You do know if you leave the pads in and use something strong with a flat edge you can push the pistons back in perfectly without actually pushing them past the point they are supposed to be at

[@victor2410]

Crisp video quality! Did you guys upgrade gear or just better lighting? Great video. I have so much to learn on my new bike! And thinking of going tubeless too!

[@dragonfire3102]

I wish you were near you do it professionally, no bike places near me do this ,they just put the pad stop in an bleed they don't even flush out the old fluid , they don't use that cup either.

[@sallyowens1394]

Just wondering how you clean the funnel and hose afterwards? Is it ok to use washing up liquid as long as it’s rinsed well?

[@chrisz.9974]

How exactly does the oil get black and unusable? I assume the "quick" bleed is to get rid of any sponginess and to get back on the bike quickly.

[@vaggelisgrammatikos1647]

How many mililiters are in each brake? I can’t find anything in Greece in the larger size of the oil, only some little bottles of 50 ml.

[@WintedTindows1]

i like how you've got the front brake on the right hand side like :P

[@PSNragglefraggle1]

... Welcome to the UK?!

[@chrisklest1238]

levers 45 degrees up or down? Yours looked like they were facing down.

[@dalethomas4024]

This video came out on exactly the same day as I recieved the hoses for my XT brake build..... spooky

[@Yhigma]

Okay so I need some assistance. I tried to follow this guide exactly and I got my front brake functioning great (feels tighter than ever). However, I am having problems with the rear. I even removed the caliper and had the brake line straight up and down and tried again, but it seems like I can still pull the lever to the bar (with some amount of resistance). Both pistons still move, but if feels like there is no power. I also inspected the hose and there does not appear to be any sort of breaks or tears... Could someone provide some advice?

[@marthofslot5095]

if you just need to do an bleed at the lever cant you just not use the plastic saringe or can but jest give it a few drops and get all the air out? thanks

[@TheGrayWolf81]

Plowed into a tree and pinched a hose. I'll need to fully replace the hose. This video was helpful, thank you.

[@mattynewton4858]

Can u do a video on how to improve your brakes after you have bled your brakes

[@m00nchildblues]

I thought that xt/xtr levers have lots of modulation and travel? The lever looked like an early "firm" lock on the lever rather than a late modulated lock on the lever?

[@409nh8]

He has freestroke all the way in.

[@bigmantomatohead3348]

Will this work on shimano m935

[@egs7233]

Are you going to do a Avid bleeding next time for me please?? after this video it's time to change to shimano system!