How To Shorten Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Brake Hoses

Bought some cheap hydraulic disc brakes from Amazon but the brake lines are too long? In this overview, I show you how to properly shorten your brake hoses.
This process can apply to almost any brake hose shortening that's needed, but specifically this is for the Shimano MT200 series of brakes.
If you'd like to buy this kit, and help me out with a little kickback from Amazon, here is my affiliate link
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If you'd like to see the entire build video, link here:
• Dream Bike Restoration...
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[@inthebush3]

Made this look easy without the specialist tools. I've been scared to work on hydraulic brakes so thanks this is a confidence booster.

[@9LivesRides]

So glad I could help, well worth having a shot yourself! Just keep your workspace clean so you don't introduce any dirt into the lines and keep an eye out for leaks for the first few runs. You'll be right!

[@JAy-ct2bu]

I’ve watched a ton of these videos and this is the best one by far

[@9LivesRides]

Thanks so much mate!

[@natiator]

Good video, well edited and has all the right information. I might pick up a set of these cheap Shimano brakes to install on my hybrid. Cheers

[@9LivesRides]

Thanks so much mate, best of luck with the install; well worth it!

[@rodas_guinea]

Awesome, thanks!

[@9LivesRides]

No problem at all, best of luck!

[@martinn5655]

Have you ever shortened a shifter cable? Would I be correct in assuming that the process would be to take out the inner cable, trim the housing, put the inner cable back in and then trim the inner cable at the gear end, reattach the housing?

[@musicia8443]

Nice and easy hack🎉

[@9LivesRides]

Thanks mate!

[@BlairAir]

As almost expected on an Australian Channel, I can hear the surf as a steady, background abient soundtrack. Of course, you could have a house out at Ayers rock, and it's a rainfall we are hearing but I don't think so. 😮 My folks lived on Harbord Beach (now "Freshwater) and 24/7 the surf was always in the background, especially at night. So great. Oh, don't Shimano MT-200 use mineral oil?

[@9LivesRides]

Yeah they most certainly do use the Shimano red mineral oil. sent from my wifi enabled kangaroo.

[@agon4320]

Can you reuse the barb ? or do you need a new one? nice video

[@9LivesRides]

You need a new barb and olive, they're single use only. While I'm sure it would be technically possible to reuse them I would strongly advise not to. Thanks for watching!

[@TheKb117]

I've noticed that you have the front brakes on the right, while here in the Philippines it's on the left. Wondering if the Left/Right Hand Drive rule has anything to do with these brake orientation. Btw, thx for this video. No need to buy specialized tools that will be only used rarely. A sharp utility knife hopefully will cut clean. Planning to shorten my hoses to eliminate unnecessary loops, then do a full bleed. thx again man.

[@9LivesRides]

You're absolutely welcome mate! The side of the road we drive on is definitely is the cause of the reversed brakes, at least originally. It allowed you to keep a hand on the rear brake as you were using your other hand to signal a turn. Best of luck with the shortening!

[@TheKb117]

@@9LivesRides Logical. thx for the info, man. Ride safe!

[@mikeburgh3956]

So we don't need to take wheel off & use bleed block on a lever bleed?

[@9LivesRides]

No sir. I try to keep the cut tube vertical to avoid fluid loss and keep the air out. I've done maybe 15-20 of these in my time and have never had an issue, a funnel bleed at the lever is always enough.

[@drkemankesh]

How is it? Is it working correctly?

[@9LivesRides]

They're awesome brakes, and would still be good value at twice the price. Couldn't recommend them enough!

[@leszek9037]

Did you empty them before cutting? If so, where to take the oil out

[@9LivesRides]

No I didn't empty them, that would mean you would have to do a full bleed. As long as you make a nice clean cut and don't contaminate anything then you won't have any issues. If you do want to drain the oil (and do a full bleed) there is a valve on the caliper itself you open to drain the fluid.

[@leszek9037]

@@9LivesRides i don't have this tool that you use to cut it, but people say that i can just cut it with normal wire cutters and straighten the cut with box cutter. Do you think with these tools i would have to do a full bleed?

[@9LivesRides]

@@leszek9037 no you'll probably be fine if they're sharp enough. Do you have a proper bleeding kit with the small funnel? It will be almost impossible to get the air out of the system if you don't have that.

[@leszek9037]

@@9LivesRides yes, i bought it along with some oil, but wasn't sure if i have to empty the system

[@9LivesRides]

@@leszek9037 Perfect, best of luck with it!

[@TheKb117]

I have the MT200 and when i do this, planning to do a full bleed, and pad replacement... with aftermarket inexpensive equivalent pads; and using Light Mineral Oil (unscented). Both non-Shimano recommended. harharhar. Will update if successful... hehehe BTW, anyone knows Shimano Mineral Oil SAE rating?

[@9LivesRides]

Not to be an absolute wet blanket as I'm all about being cheap, but brakes are a dangerous thing to skimp out on too much. With Shimano brake fluid being pretty cheap and decent pads not being crazy either I'd spend the extra couple of bucks. Have head some horror stories of the braking surface completely fallling off the backing with some of the cheapo pads. Whatever you decide to do, stay safe and let us know how you get on! No idea what SAE Shimano oil as it probably hasn't been tested to those standards. Many say unscented baby oil will work, but I'd stick to the pink stuff.

[@TheKb117]

@@9LivesRides Thx for the reminder and concern, man. Ride safe!