How To Convert To Hydraulic Disc Brakes From Mechanical Disc Brakes On Mountain Bike

I show how to replace mechanical disc brakes with hydraulic disc brakes on a MTB bike. Hydraulic disc brakes are very easy to install. This conversion is a really easy upgrade. I show removing the mechanical disc brakes and the install of the hydraulic disc brakes. The brakes I used in the video are Shimano BR BL M355 hydraulic brake set (front and rear). The bike is a Cannondale Trail Five.
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[@RJTheBikeGuy]

For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy

[@rivenrivera5718]

Ser do i need to change the rotors too? If i had disc break rotors?

[@dumitruionas8367]

@@rivenrivera5718 /////////⅘///////////////////////////////////

[@rivenrivera5718]

@@dumitruionas8367 whatt

[@mr.blackhawk142]

What type of bike stand R U using RJ?

[@toyota8684]

Thanks for the step by step tutorial I did a hydraulic brake conversion on my ebike but the only difference is you have to reconnect the brake sensor on my ebike

[@JMUDoc]

Mine arrived this morning - the feel is incredible. Shows how much play/stretch there is in those Bowden cables!

[@appleftw1232]

You're better than park tool because you're more easy to follow

[@nesutorusan]

Just a tip: better to use a syringe to put alcohol inside the grip, so this way you will not scratch your handlebar. (Sorry my poor english)

[@bryanjudefernandez2195]

Néstor Henríquez Medina your English is okay, not bad

[@forevercomputing]

Those scratches ... If it's your own bike - whatever, but for someone else - bad form.... bad form

[@leej8856]

WD40 works great on this too

[@dimondbackdownhiller1337]

Your English is perfect to me

[@PrototypeBMX]

@@leej8856 takes forever to dry though

[@burnsy7815]

Aha, I’ve just done this on my 2013 trail 5, I got the clarks hydraulics, they are so powerful, 100% worth the money

[@brianprior5812]

Been looking at the clarks brakes are they really that good

[@S13_GTB]

@@brianprior5812 no get shimano

[@darraghmcmahon8643]

I might do this to my 2020 trail 6

[@bonkerzbozy2478]

What model can you link

[@burnsy7815]

@@bonkerzbozy2478 www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CZV49K3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_QF0K1FZWV7SMMJ44VMBX?psc=1

[@TheDustyShredder]

I got my new SLX prebled rear brake today, and just installed it. I used some of my lanolin oil based chain lube (90% lanolin oil) to get the grip off. I slid an old QR skewer under the grip from the outside of the bar, brushed the oil onto the skewer (it acts as a guide) and then rotated the grip. With the oil in there, it turns very easily. You should be able to simply pull the grip off, but if not, just turn it until it does. Wipe off some of the excess (you still need some to get the grip back on) put the lever on, and reinstall the grip. The rubber of the grip will absorb the oil, reconditioning it and making that rubber sticky.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

Thanks for this, I had a front brake bracket snap on me today, the whole mounting bracket went!!!, I have a shop bought 1000 watt electric bike {only used for commuting so no off road} and I honestly thought they would have used quality parts in the first place!, they were mechanical and to be honest I never liked them so it has pushed me into fitting hydrophilic brakes, I was going slowly when it happened so very lucky, I usually zip about. This is a job I can do myself after watching your work here, thanks very much

[@keegangorman8633]

Thanks for the video! Don't know what sort of complexity I expected but it wasn't this soft of ease!

[@the636lovingfella3]

Thanks rj, going to order a single back shimano slx since i dont run a front brake on my bike since i only wheelie

[@joen3992]

...and done! Thank you for the video. Cannondale Trail 5 is a nice starter bike. Can't stress enough that Shimano Acera Hydros are a great value upgrade from mech disc brakes. They work, self-adjusting. Just keep the rotors clean.

[@thomasbrown4522]

Excellent video. One tip. If you cut zip ties with toe nail clippers you won't have sharp ends like you get when using diagonal cutting pliers. Thanks for your excellent instructions. I plan to make this upgrade soon. 👍

[@nolimit7]

Very helpful video as you have just saved me from wasting my money as I have just checked and I have integrated gears and brakes.

[@MorbidCrow666]

When i had to remove my handle bar grips i did it pretty much the same way only i used a bit of washing up liquid.

[@coltsfan79]

This is the next upgrade I want to do.

[@mervynwarriner5092]

Another simple yet awesome video. Thanks!

[@bedevere007]

Going to try this this weekend. Thx

[@xTr3me1986]

I find this video very helpful for those wanting to DIY. Thank you!

[@krupanj87]

Great job. Nice video. Useful as always. Big regards from Serbia.

[@tmx7403]

Cool vid I bought Shimano mt420 hydraulic disk brakes they're 4 piston they're awesome and I got a used set of rims from my local bike shop

[@johnm4936]

Awesome video R.J. seriously thinking of doing this upgrade to my MTB.

[@Nagraj_h_rao]

Very detailed step by step explanation... I have bought a Cannondale trail6 and was trying to understand the bike... Your video is exactly what I needed... Thank you

[@birungienos326]

Good content and helpful. I will change mine easily myself.

[@desireej34]

Genius work. Awesome!

[@stephenswift8001]

Thanks! I'll look out for that.

[@kaijpp]

This actually works thanks

[@that70sschwinn]

Nice job,great demonstration

[@bethziegler8250]

This video was just what I was looking for! If you don’t have pre-bled lines (ie. you are transplanting a set removed from another bike), what do you need to put oil in the brakes?

[@geoffbrady8290]

Great video, really easy to understand and follow. Thanks

[@bedevere007]

Awesome. Thank you sir

[@dadboddamien]

Doing this on an old Specialized HardRock that I recently acwuired. Waiting for the new shifters to arrive since it had that stupid shimano one piece setup on it. Had to replace the discs as well because one of them was extremely warped

[@giannhsstipsanos3441]

Thank you for the idea

[@dair805]

I need a video to do a road bike please! Haha! I need to do it to my road bike! Nice vid!!

[@ASDFAHED1985]

Very nice video, clear explanation and resolution

[@richardfabrizio8998]

Smooth upgrade. Performance is better now

[@amc6543]

richard fabrizio

[@fenderstratguy]

Since we're talking about removing and remounting grips, if you ever have a grip that is just a little too loose, remove the grip, cover the end hole (if any) and spray the inside of the grip with HAIRSPRAY! It will slide on like it's been lubed but when dry will feel like it's been glued. I've got a can of hairspray in my garage that has to be over 20 years old. I use it only for doing grips.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

If the grips was too loose, it may have had some sort of soap residue it there. Usually sliding on with alcohol, the alcohol will evaporate and the grip will stick. Hairspray contains alcohol and works similarly.

[@usairkid]

Thanks you explain it so well thanks

[@johnoconnor3880]

thank-you...you made it look easy...jo'c

[@cmaxjoe]

Great video,thanks.

[@cschuh4695]

What kind of bike stand is that?? I LOVE IT... I must have one... If I can't buy one, I'll build one... RJ, you are the BEST bike repairman on YouBoob, thanx a ton...

[@twgood5882]

Universally important tool: microfibre shop cloth. @5:12

[@cebuanostud]

Can you do a conversion video of a front suspension mountain bike to a rigid city commuter, a 26er particularly. thanks

[@murdochanderson3549]

Really helpful video, thanks. Could you do one on converting from mechanical to disc on a drop bar bike?

[@eduardofrazao9890]

Thank you dude. Very nice video!

[@chrismad1344]

Excellent

[@ratikkakuskikuski1630]

Again good work!

[@personaldecay]

Poke a tiny hole in the end of the grips and use an airline to push air in to the grip, it will expand the grip enough to make removal and install a breeze. I was skeptical when I tried it on a two-man auger that needed 3 new grips but it worked a charm. No prying scratching or alcohol that could degrade the rubber/silicone over time.

[@alexisaddicted]

That alcohol trick is really smart!

[@digital_haiku]

Great video. I shall give it a try

[@asepQ]

thanx...very helpful

[@davidcrowson4745]

Purdy slick 👍

[@gopromountainbike901]

Hi beautiful bike I love it

[@nicolaecampan2385]

I use the brake lever to force out the grips, after untightening the bolt ;)

[@CkickenNibblet]

Hey RJ!, just bought a vintage Italian tandem bicycle, but it has front and rear sturmy archer drum brakes that are not functioning well, just wondering if you have video on how to refurbish anything like that, if not no worries. Thanks!

[@LurkingCrassZero]

New subscriber. Great channel mate ;-)

[@dannyvisitacion8975]

I really love it

[@Goondonkofficial]

Thank you!!!!

[@gl1329]

Thanks for this helpful video! How do I determine which kind of hydraulic brake is suitable for my bike? Or any kind of brake works and can be fitted on? Thinking of replacing my brakes. My bike is a second-hand Polygon Cascade 3.

[@venni3996]

this is must upgrade

[@jeyakhan7538]

Great video 👍🏻🙋🏻‍♂️

[@Commander_ZiN]

I use a plastic lever and MAF cleaner, it's pretty much isopropyl in a spray can. No scratches.

[@giuseppecampanale8813]

2:55 I should have red this before buying breakers xD

[@mariosebastian1516]

i have the same problem =)))

[@KennyMinigun]

Worth mentioning that hydraulic brake lines might need shortening to fit the bike properly. But perhaps you can cover that in a separate video :) (alongside with hydraulic disc brake bleeding)

[@salvadordelgado7444]

Now I want to do this to my mountain bike!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Better to buy a bike with disc brakes.

[@arjunrajesh6655]

very good video was very helpful

[@alexmorgan3435]

I swapped mechanical Avid BB7 brakes for hydraulic Shimano SLX disc brakes. The improvement is night and day.

[@darraghmcmahon8643]

I might do this to my 2020 trail 6

[@epizzoli6104]

Very nice job but when removing the grips use a zip tie instead of an Allen wrenche so you won't scratch the handlebar as you did in the video

[@raycrook4525]

My 90's Giant cable routing doesn't use cable ties as shown in the video. Is there a neat product out there that would convert/replace my recessed ferrule type guides to accept the hydraulic pipes. Using cable ties around the frame tubing wouldn't look great.

[@reflexsamurai958]

Hi many thanks for your video over the years and I am a big fan of your channel. I just wonder would you be creating a complete bleed of Hydraulic Disc Brakes with the correct way how to identify the correct fluid (Solution) on certain type of brand of brakes. This would be very helpful and very much appreciated.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I haven't done that yet. Different brakes vary some in the method.

[@coldshot60]

Great video! Question, what size tires did this bike have in the video?

[@oct_blk]

oo wow, is there a tutorial for that? i tough i have to take off the brake cable and pour dot or mineral oil in the hose

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

great video. Well shot & edited. The brake replacement was interesting, I still am not sure difference between cable vs. hydro brakes. Oh well

[@mytoob2008]

Hydro stop fast with minimal effort and no noise. Night and day no comparison

[@Jamie7ee]

Sick video man! Only thing I’m not sure is if I buy a pair will I have to chop much of the rear cable in length if the new set turns up too long?! 👀🙌🏻

[@gazza1286]

Like the workshop stand. Is it a specific brand?

[@nosaj1231]

I like the video, but I think you should also show what to do if your brake hoses are to long for your bike.

[@niteblaster1]

Good video thx😎 My electric bike has cut off switches on brake levers,what can I do about that 😱

[@srcuyo]

very helpfull

[@stephenswift8001]

A good informative video! Could you do a video on changing pads on disc brakes? I'm on my first bike with hydraulic disc brakes and I'd like to know how to do it. Thanks!

[@nickadeletti7655]

Stephen Swift it's really easy. I know gmbn has a video

[@bob-ny6kn]

Hey, RJ. Can you do a "new hydraulic brake kit" install? The other bike channels' videos make me confused (first cut why? cutting where? What is that parktool? Olive and barb? When to use threaded barrel? Et c.) Thank you.

[@sonandsanford4963]

My 2001 specialize enduro expert came with hydraulic disc brakes. What's needed to connect with my ebike conversion kit I purchased. the brakes with the kit came with a harness so I'm assuming it is needed with the computer?

[@dennisdownes9319]

Great trick with the ISO alcohol!

[@johnmayerislovee]

Usually, do new hydraulic Disc brakes (NUTT BRAND) come with brake pads already installed? Do need hydraulic brakes need to be bleed before first use ? Thanks

[@Bl4nk.exe8]

Have you ever tried fitting a hydraulic STI shifter to an MTB frame with drop bars? Im currently building what I think is a Monstercross bike. Can I have some of your opinions?

[@saadiqrahim7849]

Thanks so much for showing me how to set up my own hydraulic brake systems 👍🏿👍🏿

[@heshanshibry6575]

Great

[@ryubatsoy2268]

Great video! Is it possible for me to upgrade my sora's mechanical disk brakes to hydraulic disk brakes? If yes, what are the compatible hydraulic disk brakes for sora? Thank you in advance.

[@SikumFernando]

guys i need to do the same. but is every type kit of hidrolic brakes fits for my MTB mecanical disk brakes ?

[@shawlk]

Quick question, what if we have to trim the hydraulic hose when installing? can a such scenario occur?

[@RevoltingRudi]

do a shimano alfine 8 gear overhaul video please. :)

[@nigelaston8640]

Leave the wheels in place and you can align & tighten the calipers in one move when you install it

[@gabingo]

great!

[@freddyramos7405]

I’m looking to do that to my bike. Are the calipers universal as far as size?

[@Lehexpress]

Plz drop the link from where you bought these hydraulic breaks

[@joshuaoyedeji8251]

Hi RJ...My hydraulic brake lever is stiff when i squeeze the lever . please how can it be adjusted?

[@Ideal1980]

I’ll be doing this soon, but also in conjunction with painting a frame. How do you tell if a paint stripper is safe for aluminum bike frames?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Ask the manufacturer.

[@fangyaohuang6211]

You can use a zip tie instead of a Allen key to take the grips off

[@ridrdie8733]

I'm not sure if you'll reply to this comment, but if you will, thanks!! So my question is which Hydraulic brakes are better? the M-315 or the M-355?

[@angrysc13ntist]

Thanks for the informative video. My bike has internal cable routing; how will this complicate my install? Also, how do you determine if your shifter set is integrated? I currently have Shimano 105 components.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You won't be able to run the lines internally.

[@MrCamohoj]

Fab mod I'm converted RJ

[@Think_BiG_711]

Is it necessary to have a center lock rotor or six bolt rotor since the bike I am hoping to buy is a cheap one and I am thinking of upgrading it part by part. My bike has jak 7 mechanical brakes. Can I upgrade to hydraulic brakes?