Mountain Bike Maintenance: How to fix spongy disc brakes

This is a quick and easy way to firm up your shimano brakes if they are feeling a little spongy.
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[@ZedEff420]

Excellent little vid, I'm saving this for future reference as I don't think my bike shop has been doing this properly. Now I've bought my self a brake bleed kit online and will do it my self. That way I can't complain at anyone but me. Also thought I had mechanical brakes turns out no they are mineral oil 😂😂 so it was good I watched this video or I would have continued to look at incorrect videos. Noice 👌

[@Sunandfundestinations]

Maybe the best short vid on the subject I've seen, very helpful....thank you

[@tedstryker7965]

I subscribed because: a) Very informative b) great quality c) great execution d) straight to the point - A +

[@leviholiman]

I searched like a dozen videos to get this. Thank you @thegoodsmtb I will follow and support. Much Love.

[@rolandaskvaraciejus8799]

Me too

[@RiddleKingOnline]

Wiggle the plunger round in a circle rather than pulling! Way smoother and no splashes or spills.

[@Bloxfruitdealer2]

Love the last helmet to the right in the background. 👍🏼

[@THEGOODSMTB]

It’s a good lid indeed

[@richardjones2811]

I've had best results doing this with the bike on the ground. Lift the bike a couple of inches and let it drop to the ground whilst keeping everything upright, that really gets a lot more air pockets out of the hoses.

[@sinetwo]

tapping your hoses gently from the rear derailleur all the way to the front helps as well

[@VideoNOLA]

Despite multiple bleeds and top-off, mine is driving me bonkers. Gonna follow this advice.

[@VideoNOLA]

Ended up having to get a replacement brake sent from the bike company. Original one just could not be made right.

[@smoxesss]

@@VideoNOLA lol

[@philipkelly3697]

seemed to work really well for me. Riding tomorrow see how it holds up and report back!

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Hopefully it did the trick!

[@mall231]

Did it work ?

[@hallacki]

1year later no report (must have died)

[@bacoon6499]

@@hallacki he went 90kmph down a hill intro a red light before testing if they worked properly. He found out

[@jefwholaughs9437]

You still alive bro?

[@anthonyjamesclifford]

Thank you man, this helped a lot, back brake is working again!

[@ultragtman1563]

I am extremely grateful for this video dude. I appreciate you sharing somehing so smart and easy lol! Im glad for now i don't need to do a full bleed i can get those bubbles out safely. Thank YOU bro!

[@clarkwbird]

Thanks for the video, worked great on my spongy front brake.

[@jamescarlson6723]

Thanks for informative video. I needed this info.

[@GDdigitalart]

Awesome bud bro. Made it super easy to follow and adjust! 👊

[@ConesOfDunshire]

Preesh! Your video got me set and riding quick!

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Rad!

[@UncleFjester]

Thanks you for using a tripod Nothing worse then shakey one handed cell phone videos

[@user-df8gp6mc6v]

Eugh eugh eugh facts

[@angeljose6261]

Thank you for the lesson

[@ckdirtbikeriding]

Very helpful video worked on my radius brakes

[@jdssurf]

you should make more vids, this was good

[@nosauce8127]

Sir,i done all steps in this video,i flushed old fluid out then change it with new,but still,my brake leverage still so close to my hand,what do you think?,are the thickness of brake pads matter?,because im not changing the pads for a long time

[@mahangaberryman6763]

Just what i needed thanks!

[@kingelvis]

You need to put a brake pad block, or otherwise you will put too much oil in the system. Doing just the burp at the lever just advances the pistons due to over filling, making you think that lever travel is less.

[@robertpearce8204]

Cheers mate...👍

[@nathanielbanjolewis]

Thanks my front brakes went really spongy after I left my bike upside down

[@asselinpower]

Same thing, brand new XT brakes, less than 10 rides. Left it upside down for 2 hours and the rear brake is spongy ...

[@magnumllama400]

@@asselinpower why

[@asselinpower]

@@magnumllama400 that s because companies simply fill them with mineral oil without doing a proper bleed when they install the brakes.takes less time and costs less for them. Most of the time it creates small air bubbles that go up to the calliper when you turn the bike around.

[@magnumllama400]

@@asselinpower and what's the solution of that problem, also which companies are known for that mistake?

[@asselinpower]

@@magnumllama400 a proper gravity bleed will solve this. They all do it unless the shop that sells you the bike bleeds it before delivery.

[@thewealduk9802]

Had no idea, thank you.

[@ouzzzy9368]

Thanks a lot, this video really helpful

[@Abcedeeeee123]

Hello, I’m new to your channel hope this will caught your attention. I have problem with my Squeaky Sound when I brake (it’s at the back brake). I have already cleaned the rotor , I have already changed brake pad, but still the same result. Still squeaky. May I ask, does this has something to do with the Brake lever? My left lever , it brakes smoothly and it’s bite on the rotor so good. Compared to my back , it’s still squeaky.

[@MateuszSmialek]

How to fix that clicking noise? I have the same problem. Also it's bleed and works but there's still a sponge feeling on it

[@kristiyankovachev2274]

Please do you have a vid how to fix the same problem but my back brakes like hard to press not easy 😕pls help

[@brianmyers220]

What if you don't have a funnel?

[@Dreadyn-117]

Thanks for the help!

[@sgrg6954]

Do you know why when i put the oil in it leaks from somewhere near my brake pads

[@lilchungus5109]

I’ve tried the same thing with mine but every time I’m on a hill or do a wheelie it gets really spongy again. Any advice?

[@goatpier7570]

Re bleed them. It also might be the pads that are going out. If not, check your disk is straight

[@69mjar]

Great video thank you

[@Unknown-ow4gg]

Forget the brakes, teach me how to get those massive forearms

[@giuliovenier2908]

Thanks for the video, solved my issue!

[@alvierisolorio1791]

Thx for sharing nice and simple

[@Gottifire]

All air bubbles out but still soft

[@pyroromancer]

excuse my ignorance is this brake system any different from the steel wire system found on ordinary mountain bikes?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Yes. This uses hydraulic fluid to squeeze the calipers on to the rotors to stop the bike. Mechanical brakes use a cable that pulls the calipers on to the rotors.

[@joshhealey9]

How does air get in? I did this protocol after brakes got spongey. It’s been hanging vertically all winter.

[@HoofHearted_Eh]

Was that a plunger or a plug?

[@BlackedA3]

Can anyone help me my breaks are doing the weirdest thing ever I have to pull in my breaks then pull it in again for it to work tight any help

[@jdssurf]

I got 8100s installed Im in a position where if the brakes are close to my grip, and i one finger brake, it smushes my other finger. I got the lever throw all the way out. Do I need more oil in the line or something? otherwise I had to scoot the brakes further away from the grip, but that also puts my shifters kinda far away. What am I missing. If I just 2 finger brake then Im fine but what the heck thanks? I guess I can try this, I had them installed by shop.

[@Jukka58]

Did you ever manage to fix it? I have the same issue

[@FOUROHSEV]

Hey i just bleeded my back brakes , after the Level felt strong but after like 30min riding I could pull in laver completely and it was barely braking

[@THEGOODSMTB]

You’ve either got a leak somewhere, or there’s more air in the hose that works it’s way up. You can try the funnel bleed a few more times but a full bleed would be quicker probably.

[@FOUROHSEV]

THE GOODS MTB okay thanks!

[@VpKing]

Every time i changes my brake pads my levers start to get spongy is that normal ?

[@denzdarryla.dacones3203]

i have old deore brakes, is it possible to upgrade only the levers to 2020 model but cable hose and calipers will retain? thanks you so much

[@anasstas8061]

Thank you a lot

[@turvboi007]

Thanks so much!

[@paddy696]

Im having similar problems a Giant Seek rear brake, Local GIANT shop Penang Malaysia I asked for Shimano mineral oil to bleed the brake. They "refused to sell" said they need for there use! Giant bikes are they that bad! 😱

[@DiegoDneo]

save me! Thank you. Its possible to "complete" the oil with other brand? I have a shimano system but i dont know which oil its on there, probabely its shimano aswell.

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Diego Dneo if you have a shimano system it’s more than likely shimano mineral oil in there as well.

[@johngta7172]

im pretty sure other oils will work just as well

[@patrickspapens5497]

Check your fluid reservoir, if is says mineral oil, you can use any brand as long as you use mineral oil!

[@Zikrullah-d5x]

m8 do I need to take the tire off or put a bleed block in before doing this. Thanks

[@THEGOODSMTB]

You don’t have to take the wheel off. But if you choose to, then for sure use a bleed block.

[@Zikrullah-d5x]

@@THEGOODSMTB 👍

[@Doggas-w1t]

What if i put regular vegetable oil insted of mineral oil can i do that?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

@@Doggas-w1t I wouldn’t use vegetable oil……

[@meepcheep314]

I have a y flicker carver c5 and I want to fix the spongy brakes. Is this the vid for it? because I cant find a y flicker video for it

[@THEGOODSMTB]

I have no clue what y flicker is

[@stevieatkinson3898]

Niiiice bro 👍👍👍

[@j.bmillennial3988]

Nice bro!

[@JBoden133]

Hi mate I’ve had a new bike and had to take rear wheel off for transport, I’ve put it back on and rear brake seems spongey. Still works fully locking the wheel when it’s engaged but seems a lot less solid than before! Would this be the solution? Cheers

[@THEGOODSMTB]

If you’ve tried squeezing the brake multiple times and it hasn’t improved then there’s a good chance there’s air in the line and this could help. Sometimes if you put your bike upside down trapped air will move around in the line causing the spongy feeling. If it’s a small amount of air this will work.

[@joe2k854]

I had the same problem I’ll try this though

[@JBoden133]

THE GOODS MTB I’ll give it a go, thanks for your reply bud

[@aggieforlife13]

What causes the air to get in. I just did a bleed 3 months ago and my brakes are spongy again. Just replaced the rear pads. It's only my back brakes

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Air can get in if fittings aren’t tight or 0 rings are missing, but it’s usually air from an incomplete bleed. The air could be trapped in the lever or somewhere and they feel fine until the air moves into the line where it causes sponginess.

[@Quick7s]

With the rear wheel in too or can I use a bleed block

[@THEGOODSMTB]

hamBRUHger you can use a bleed block if you’re wheel is out but as long as you’re wheel is in and the rotor is in the caliper you don’t have to do anything special.

[@patrickspapens5497]

I just did my rear with the weel in, no problems.

[@SWFCite]

So I just purchased a new bike was fine but on the way to work I pulled the brake it went spongey now I have to pump the brake to get pressure on the lever

[@THEGOODSMTB]

You’ve got air or a leak in the system. If there’s fluid near your hose connection on the lever or caliper you have a leak. If not you have air and if this doesn’t work a full bleed will take care of it.

[@SWFCite]

@@THEGOODSMTB thank you

[@WorldravenNevar]

Can this just be done often and completely eliminate the need for a full bleed?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

As long as your fluid isn’t dirty and there isn’t excessive amounts of air in the system, it does a pretty good job of making brakes feel good.

[@TheXan57]

Cool but I don't have that weird cup

[@cmculver]

what do you suggest if they're still spongey? I just installed a new set and the fronts are fine, no issues, but the rear is still soft.

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Did you have to cut the rear? I just did the same thing and ended up doing a full bleed on the rear. You can try placing your bike vertical overnight and then doing this again. Sometimes that will move the trapped air. But chances are you need to do a full bleed.

[@cmculver]

THE GOODS MTB yeah, I had to cut the rear as well. Thanks for the info. I’ll try the vertical thing first. I ordered some Promax levers and calipers and I thought they were the same spec as Shimano but they’re just slightly larger and I don’t have the bleed kit I need. Matter of fact, I couldn’t find a bleed kit that fit at all. Calls for an M5 and M6 screw in syringe- no cups? If the vertical thing doesn’t work I’ll have to take it into the shop. Thanks again- appreciate it.

[@hardtail_reapers_mtb8014]

@@cmculver I have the shimano and I'm having the same issue. I've bled them 2-3x and still no luck. My bike is currently sitting vertical and will burp it tomorrow. Did that end up working for you or what was the issue?

[@cmculver]

OH IT'S A HARDTAIL not really- I’ve bled the brakes on both of my bikes here recently and everything is still spongy. I’m letting air in somewhere. I talked to my local bike shop and they just said that it’s tricky, to try it 2-3x so idk. Good luck.

[@hardtail_reapers_mtb8014]

@@cmculver damn that sucks. Hopefully you figured an maybe thos 2-3 more times help. Thanks you and likewise.

[@AmericusMaximus]

Nice!

[@roseb8561]

Can I do this with my sram guide brakes using the bleed syringe tool instead of the funnel? Or is the funnel universal?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

The funnel won’t work on sram brakes.

[@mattmahoney7230]

Do you still get about 1 inch of freestroke before your brake bites? I'm trying to have just 1cm before it bites but don't know if that's possible...

[@THEGOODSMTB]

That’s one of the problems with shimano breaks is inconsistent bite point. Haven’t measured my free stroke but there’s for sure some.

[@danielwatt8037]

Hi mate my bled my brake on the rear as it didn't work it now. Works but goes spongy any ideas?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Daniel Watt were you getting air bubbles out of it when you did it? If it worked for a while then went spongy again, you either still have air in there, or you may have a leak somewhere.

[@zendiime]

Just got a brand new Giant Stance 1, rear brake is super weak and it doesnt offer much confidence going downhill... this a possible solution?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Does it have good bite on the rotor? It’s possible a new bike has air in the lines but probably not super likely. It’s also possible if it’s a brand new bike the pads and rotors aren’t bedded in yet/properly. Switching to metal brake pads can add power.

[@zendiime]

@@THEGOODSMTB Seems like the bite is good. Every once and a while I get great brake power. Other days I cant even lock them up on dirt. Almost like there is something on the rotor but I cleaned those as well. Ill try different pads first.. have considered dropping a couple hundred on new brakes though.

[@thesenders693]

Does this work for SRAM brakes

[@thehammer4860]

I just can't get my rear Magura MT8SL's to bleed properly. I've done it 9 times. All the Magura videos, non-Magura videos, etc. When I'm done, rock hard, then after about 10-15mins or riding it's spongy again. What I find is weird, is that I can simply stand my bike on the rear wheel, pump the brakes a few times and then they are good. 10-15mins later, same and I repeat. It will never get firm if I try to pump with it level on the ground. I don't think it's leaking, because I rode for a month using that re-firming technique and it always worked. I feel if air was coming in, then at some point, that would no longer stiffen up the brakes. Damn you air bubble.....how do I get you out!!!!

[@THEGOODSMTB]

I think you either have a leak or significant air in the line. If in were in your shoes I would do a full bleed with a syringe at the caliper

[@maniacalmonster2293]

And if this doesn't work? I've cleaned entire caliper and pistons.. Nothing. Can't get pressure and it's brand new

[@ryanofarrell4183]

I don't have a bleed cup any tips

[@philipkelly3697]

gotta have the cup they sell em on amazoon for 20

[@caleb3815]

Where can I get the Shimano hydraulic mineral oil?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Most bike shops and online stores including amazon carry it.

[@positronikiss]

but where do we get that funnel n all?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

You can get it at a bike shop or Amazon/eBay

[@positronikiss]

@@THEGOODSMTB ookay thank u kindly good sir.

[@TheLAKERSareGodsTeam]

Mine is always spongy when I wake up in the morning.

[@tecknique171]

Can you do this with SRAM brakes as well?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

tecknique171 sram bleeding is a little more involved. You need syringes and they use DOT brake fluid instead of mineral oil. Not as easy to work on but still doable.

[@chip9832]

💯

[@cheshire_]

Is it normal to have to do this every 2 weeks? It's so damn annoying no matter what I do I get air bubbles and I have wasted enough oil bleeding my bike a couple of times i'm starting to think the issue is the cheap chinese brakes it has

[@Andrea-qg5yk]

I just installed deore m6100 brakes and they feel... Weird. They're not spongy in a normal way: as you press the lever, it arrives at the biting point and you can hear the pads contacting the rotor. BUT if you put just a bit more force the lever will keep to go in, and quite a lot before becoming too hard. I don't know why and how but this seems to be affected by the reach adjuster too: with the reach fully out (wich is too far for my preferences) the lever feels a bit more solid. But with the reach that I like to use (2 turns and 1/4 from fully out) the problem intensifies. It doesn't seem to affect power that much, compared to a friend of mine's xt brakes mine have the same power, if not a touch more, but his lever feels a lot more solid. Oh btw the problem is a little bit worse on the rear brake. What could I do? I already quick bled them 2 times, and while some bubbles came out from only the rear brake, it's still far from perfect.

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Did you have to cut the rear to install them? Might have too much air in there for a quick bleed and you may have to do a full bleed. But what you’re describing sounds like the free stroke. On XT brakes you can adjust the free stroke which is essentially the bite point in relation to lever pull. I don’t believe you can adjust it on Deore brakes.

[@Andrea-qg5yk]

@@THEGOODSMTB on new Shimano brakes the hose comes separated from the lever so you just cut it to the appropriate length, put the insert in and screw it in the lever. With the rear brake I forgot to put the rubber boot tho so I had to cut the hose again. I don't think I got that much air in it, but yeah probably that's the problem. But the front brake also has this problem, it's less noticeable but there still is. And yeah you can't adjust the free stroke on deore brakes, well you technically can by overbleeding/under bleeding the sistem but I didn't do any of that. Also my buddy doesn't even know what free stroke adjustment is so I bet he didn't m touch that neither

[@Andrea-qg5yk]

@@THEGOODSMTB probably a full bleed is the only solution. Unfortunately I can't do it myself and neither can my bike shop, since they refuse to work on whatever product you didn't buy from them.

[@THEGOODSMTB]

A full bleed on Shimano brakes is pretty easy to do.

[@Andrea-qg5yk]

@@THEGOODSMTB I don't have the tools thought. I may buy them, but I still don't want to risk to mess things up. I could "practice" on my old brakes

[@victoriadean-heap1393]

Do you remove your break pads while doing this ?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

I don’t. Just be careful with the mineral oil. If you remove your break pads make sure to use a bleed block.

[@derickmacariola4646]

Will it not lock the brakes if you did not remove the pads?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Derick Macariola if you leave your wheel and pads in then no it won’t. No difference than normal brake use. If you remove you’re wheel then you need a bleed block.

[@neil5219]

useful

[@avtv4321]

not help for me, still soft

[@soyboypersonalfinance1138]

Try a blue pill

[@elgringojosh825]

Free stroke is long. Need to shorten it

[@Misty_onwheels]

Might be pads

[@douggoff5784]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@PatonCavaney]

Thats the front dude

[@BicMichuM]

Didnt work on mine...might need new pads

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Yeah this won’t do much if there’s no material left on the pads

[@FocusForwardTV]

Hello thank you for your video! I have the exact problem you describe but when I followed your instructions it didn't really change anything with the handle being spongy or it coming all the way down to the handle any other suggestions?

[@mike48111]

Bleed it at the wheels.

[@zenjim1305]

Does it still bit spongy when you done bleeding? Mine is bit spongy and I can pull it through the handle bar

[@noname1st139]

I turned my bike upside down to install new brake pads now I have no pressure in the front brake lever? Any suggestions please? Thanks

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Sounds like you have air in your brake line. When you flip it upside down the air moves and causes the sponginess. This method may help you but you might want to do a full bleed eventually.

[@noname1st139]

@@THEGOODSMTB thanks for getting back to me,it was weird, the brake was working before only a little to harsh,then nothing!, there was minimal effort to achieve full pressure before,but the pads are squeaking terrible and loudly.any known causes for that? Thank you 👍

[@THEGOODSMTB]

New pads generally have a break in period. Squeaking could also be caused by different materials in the pads, some are resin, some are metal, some have combos.

[@noname1st139]

@@THEGOODSMTB thank you my friend, I will take a look over the weekend and will follow your video, they're old XT brakes so I have a feeling that the oil needs topping up for starters,plus the fact that 1 brake has a sweet amount of pressure before the wheel locks, the Dodgy lever before I got the air lock seemed too stop instant, thanks again for suggestions, I'll try and let you know, subscribed & liked 👍👊

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Thanks bro!

[@boboaa7901]

can ido this with tektro brakes ?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

I’m not 100% positive but I think tektro May require the 2 syringe method similar to sram.

[@arosfa228]

doesn't work for magura mt sport brakes

[@goader.1]

what can i use as a substitute for shimano oil, like something i have around the house

[@THEGOODSMTB]

I’ve heard of people using normal mineral oil with docent results. Shimano mineral oil is cheap enough and that’s what i would recommend. You more than likely void any warranty by using anything other than Shimano mineral oil.

[@SoMooLand1nine7]

Aaaaaah I still havnt found a mechanical one all of em is hydraulics

[@yichensun9122]

Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ7UeJiCg8iJf8k

[@fear4911]

i did this and after a day of riding, my brakes are spongy again

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Sounds like you got a good amount of air in there. When you ride it will knock trapped air loose and into the system. You can either keep doing this or do a full bleed.

[@Da_boys14]

Ive bled the ever-living crap out of my shimano brakes and cant seem to ever get a good feel from the rear brake. Ive tried a gravity bleed, bubble bleed, syringe with push/pull. Still feels like crap. getting ready to cut them off.

[@xts_eddy9527]

why ur shirt so hairy

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Cause I turn in to a wolf on full moons

[@Smason432]

$200 at the shop for fixing it

[@smoxesss]

can get done at mine for 25 lol you be paying them jews stupid money hahahahhahahahah

[@christin1095]

Wtf does spongy mean

[@loiseaunoir1021]

This guy has a white cat.

do u have a dog or cat?

[@THEGOODSMTB]

Yes

[@middleagedwhitebloke]

Thank you.

[@antbrown150]

Thank you. Helped me massively.