Shimano BRAKES Installation How-To, 12 Speed or 11 Speed XTR, XT, SLX, Deore, 2 and 4 Piston Brake

[@victors5896]

This video helped me in a recent installation replacing the brakes in my old mtb. I don't have the yellow block he mentioned in the video. Instead, I used a wood cloth pin to grab the hose and pound the insert into the hose. Also, I used it to make a straight cut to the hose. Hope this tip helps my fellow bikers.

[@sampah89]

Minute 9:32: most people might have scoffed at this saying it is an obvious thing to do but before I installed my Shimano brake in my bike I drilled this skill into my head by watching this video so many times and it is good thing this very minute put me into the alert which otherwise would have cost me dearly so thanks for the caution!

[@LoveMTB]

Glad to help and thanks for sharing your experience 🤘

[@bonifaciotaiza2150]

Thank you sir. From pangasinan, Philippines 🇵🇭 Newbie here. ❤️

[@stefan.krause]

Many thanks for these detailed instructions. I'm about to swap from 2 piston (MT500) to 4 piston XT (MT8120) and this is incredibly helpful. I never worked on hydraulic disc brakes before. With these instructions it doesn't feel like rocket science. Subscribed instantly ✌️

[@zak_mackracken]

I am currently planning to convert from Scram(DB 8) to Shimano(M6120 or SLXM7120). I am handy but have never converted a bicycle brake. Your video helped me understand it better. The trick with the dental floss and the hammer helped me save a lot of money. Alone the tools from Shimano for the conversion cost together about 200$. Greetings from Germany

[@LoveMTB]

Great to hear, enjoy your new, powerful brakes!

[@TrekSLDuraAce]

Very good video! If I could add one tip: Don't use a steel hammer to pound in the hose inserts. The steel hammer will leave very small dents in the insert that can lead to leaks. Use a hammer with a nylon head. If must use a steel hammer, place something like a piece of wood between the insert and the hammer head. Then go out and hammer the trails!

[@I-come-from-the-Future]

Good tip, but there should be a brass sleeve inside the lever which actually expends around the cable during tightening with the 8 mm wrench and creates the actual sealing. Good to use a non metallic hammer anyways though.

[@jbtvt]

This is a standard compression fitting. The barbed insert is only there to keep the compression olive, which is the part that does the actual sealing, from crushing the brake line. The seal is outside the line, and well outside that insert. Denting it will have absolutely no effect on whether or not the installation leaks. The olive is the only part that matters, but if it's the right size and not reused or otherwise misshapen, a leak just means it wasn't tight enough. Use whatever hammer you have handy.

[@StevelovesShirl]

@@jbtvt Spoken like a true professional. NOT

[@topbanana4013]

i have the XTR M9000 Race Calipers and M9100 Race Leavers . got them cheap 2 year's ago bloody awesome no other words. there made from magnesium shell housing ceramic pistons and carbon fibre and magnesium leavers. and the control give me so much confidence going into high speed turns and just about anything that comes when on the roads playing with the traffic

[@ilyakonrad]

Thanks for the video! Your channel is the best source of knowledge about all the details related to Shimano brakes, really useful! For those asking about the olive: it should be inside already. It was in my new XTs. You will see it if you undo the screw carefully. Also regarding the sealed barb fitted into the hose from factory. I was going to shorten the hose and thought I could use that barb. However the sealing didn't want to come off so I punched a hole in it but it didn't look pretty. More importantly though, the barb didn't want to come out. I had to use a new barb.

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks! And thanks for clarifying, I tried to ay the same in the pinned post of this vid.

[@I-come-from-the-Future]

Without a doubt the best video on the subject! Clarifies even the smaller, but actually important questions about if bleeding is necessary, can special tools be substituted etc. Really great, thank you very much 👍

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks😊 and you're very welcome

[@leszekchrzastowski]

Thank you for this tutorial. I just upgraded my Hayes Nine brakes on my 17 years old bike (Saracen Zen 2). They new brakes work as a dream.

[@LoveMTB]

Enjoy!!!

[@randoncc]

Outstanding instruction, thank you for producing top notch videos!

[@kridstax2248]

Excellent video. One of the most in depth on KZbin for installing hydraulic

[@adamconley9732]

This gave me the confidence as a noob to go ahead and do my own brakes instead of taking it to the shop. It was a successful install btw. Thank you so much!

[@LoveMTB]

Enjoy your new brakes and thanks for sharing!

[@robadobdob]

Great tutorial, it helped a lot. Tapping the barb in is the hardest part of you don’t have that yellow block. I’d also recommend keeping the hose clamped while inserting into the lever to reduce twisting.

[@sssamcz]

@@LoveMTB great video. HOT tip on inserting barbs more easily - warm up the end of the hose before inserting the barb - I just use a lighter. Especially helpful in a cold workshop.

[@allyb5779]

Great video. I've just installed my first set of Shimano brakes and your walk through was invaluable.

[@oliverbrunt1]

They should just put a QR code in the instructions to this video 😂 doing my SLX M7100s tomorrow’s

[@Lolgor]

Best video on the subject of Shimano brakes ever. Shimano should just pay you.

[@LoveMTB]

@@Lolgor Thanks 😊

[@markusrose7661]

This video helped me a lot. Had no experience and absolutely struggled to align everything. That's absolutely the most complete explanation! Thank you!

[@LoveMTB]

You're so welcome!

[@gregor-mk1db]

This is the very best channel about bikes i've seen, thumbs up

[@groovyshades1294]

Just bought the six 7100 front and rear sets I’m gonna do it myself I’ve have never even repaired a puncture but my local bike shop wants £60.00 to do it here in Dundee Scotland they were the cheapest another guy wanted £150.00 he go told F O. I’m sure I can do this the only thing I think I could have a problem with will be the routing through the frame so I have bought all the other bits and pieces I need ie oil cup dental floss etc so thanks for you excellent vids also I bought new shimano rotors so here goes you have saved me a lot of loot thanks again Derek

[@jacobcousins1208]

Installed a set of SLX M7100 last night. It went so smooth thanks to your very detailed instructions. I really appreciate you putting this out there. Subscribed and will recommend. Thanks Buddy!

[@KingJasonthe1st]

Best biking tutorials by far. Excellent work my friend, I LoveMTB! :)

[@dkkids]

Thank you for creating this easy to follow, well thought out video! I don't have stress now on how to upgrade my sons MTB!

[@frakafrocka]

awesome vid!!!!!!!! i appreciate how you thoughtfully and effectively use a razor blade, woodblock and hammer for the hose barb and for cutting. no special tools required. thanks.

[@eddiesanchez7926]

I have not worked disc brakes before. I am glad I checked out this video it was easy to follow and very informative. Thank you.

[@LoveMTB]

You're welcome Eddie

[@ryanhewitt4557]

Great video. To the point, no fannying around. Thank you for taking the time to upload!!!

[@LoveMTB]

You’re welcome Ryan enjoy your new brakes!

[@petejones1957]

Great Video! I recently changed the drops on my CDF for lovely flat bars, sooo much better! anyway, I didn't have the little yellow split block, so simply drilled a hole through a bit of wood, then cut it in half with a hacksaw, worked just fine, and only took a few minutes.and even better, cost nothing The brakes (ultegra calipers) are so much better than they've ever been before, replacing the 105 STI shifters with XT flat bar ones

[@ATREY178]

Very good instruction. I bought Shimano 8120 4 pistons brakes for my Merida One-Twenty. In theory I know how to install brakes, but I wasn't sure. Your video helped me to confirm it. Thank You.

[@typing.....................]

i successfully installed my m7100 brakeset because of this video thank you so much sir!

[@jeonghs6509]

This is a great video for beginners to follow. I ordered the product to upgrade my brakes and it will be a great help. Thank you so much!

[@LoveMTB]

@@jeonghs6509 glad to help let us know how it went 🤘

[@FlorinSirbu.]

I’ve adjusted the front banjo on my M7100 and I’ve got mineral oil all over spilled, didn’t see that coming. For the rear banjo I’ll remember to keep that in mind. Very good video, I’ve installed my rear and front brake set thanks to your vids. Thank you.

[@garrybunk]

Great video! I'm about to swap some SRAM Levels for some Deore 4 pot 6120's. Your video is very straightforward, just confused on others posting to remove the nut & barb from lever first. It was my understanding to do exactly what you showed. I'm also a little disappointed that you didn't go into doing a lever bleed to remove any air that got in during the install, but I guess that's why you linked the hose shortening video.

[@LoveMTB]

And you have this newer video on how to do a complete bleed. Not needed just for hose cutting/ install kzbin.info/www/bejne/opfcmaCbp9GkgJo

[@2020mike1]

I have just bought a Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 and would like to upgrade the brakes to Deore XT 8100. Bike came with Tektro HD-R290. Would I be able to disconnect the OEM Tektro caliper and brake lever and connect the XT caliper and brake lever to the existing hydraulic hose? Thanks for your thoughts and the readers.

[@sawdust1994]

Thank you very much, the best!!! Installed my new SLX Brakes last week and was about to carry on without the rubber boots/Seals.... :( It's the simple but so valuable tips that just make life easier, happier. Thank You very much. Have subscribed 4 ever.

[@Smerigventje_]

One of the best instruction videos on KZbin. Well done 👍

[@charlestkline]

Great video bro. No nonsense and easy to follow. Nice speaking voice too. 🤘

[@LoveMTB]

Appreciate the feedback🤘

[@traingp7]

Jagwire sells a tool for installing the fitting in the hose. Doesn't cost much and makes installation easy and precise. I bought one a few years back and even if you only use it a few times it pays for itself.

[@niklasweckman7093]

Do not forget to put on that rubber cover and if not, ask me why I know. I can tell you, I now know 😢. Thank for a great instruction video, it helped a lot but unfortunately the memory was short😂 Anyhow, think that slicing it open and secure it with some tape will do the trick. Did order a new connection set just in case. Again, many thanks for all the information you share!!

[@billcoady2515]

Perfect. I had to weed through a bunch of weak videos to finally find this one that covered everything I needed to know.

[@andiandholly]

thx a lot, very helpful vid, one of the best i found, very good and understandable explanation, straight from the start how to install without unnecessary stories like in many other tutorials👍

[@CrypticSquirrel]

Brother, your videos are spot on 👍 fitting XTR at the moment and at the stage of connecting. Your vid has given me everything I need. Thank you.

[@LoveMTB]

Glad to help cheers

[@damianszumanski]

I used shimano xt 2 pistons and now I have sram 4 pistons. I think xt 2 pots are better.Awesome video

[@sobczaq]

Thank you, best video showing how manage it. Simple and accurate.

[@tommdg]

Thanks for this tutorial! Always a bummer when Shimano says you have to scan the QR code to view the users manual, but this leads you to some basic information without any information about how to install the part..

[@drappennen5704]

Hey thanks man. I’ve ordered a new lever assembly to replace the one I broke on the weekend and was worried there’d be olives and crimping and all that fun stuff but I’m not worried now thanks to your video! Shimano XTs look pretty straight forward.

[@drappennen5704]

@@LoveMTB well the lever assembly will only be replacing the XT I already have on the bike so I know I’ll love them. My Canyon Strive came set up 203/180 and the only upgrade I’ve made to the brakes is a 203 on the rear which has transformed how the bike stops now. I love my Shimano set up.

[@-tr0n]

Perfect instructions, thanks! Upgrading from 20 year old Hayes and was confused when the shop kids said I didn't need fluid or a bleeding kit (for install, anyways).

[@-tr0n]

@@LoveMTB Yeah for sure. We'll see how it feels when I mount everything up this week!

[@doncrescas]

Another straightforward informative video. Q: So the olive is already inside the lever, and you push the hose through it? Comment: Worth noting that on the newer levers that have an extra point of contact with the bar, if you are using a standard band clamp shifter or dropper lever, you may actually want to position them between the brake lever clamp and the contact point. If the band clamps are the cheaper style that does not pen up, you will need to do this as you are sliding the lever onto the bars.

[@gregor-mk1db]

how do you connect XT Brakes with GX Shifter?

[@thrjygdcmnbfdzfsa]

gregor 1910 problem solvers make adaptors for that sort of thing

[@rix0r222]

I find it easier to line up the caliper buy having the bolts loose, and then squeezing the brake leaver so it clamps the pads down and orients the caliper in the right spot, and then tighten the nuts. maybe this isn't the best way but it has worked for me in the past. It obviously requires the brake lines to be installed and bled, and the pads installed.

[@LoveMTB]

Only problem with it is that you can align the caliper even when one of the pistons is lazy so not force both to actually work the same. What you use is common I have a few tips for making it work enemies better I’ll probably do a vid on it

[@MartinTeerly]

Shimano brakes are amazing. At the moment I wouldn't go for any other brakes

[@Assimilator702]

You are THE BEST! Thank you for making my life so much easier!

[@harelhov]

As always, very helpful and well explained video! I saw that you put the insert at the end of the hose, but you didn't put the olive (or I missed it?) It is not necessary anymore to add the olive?

[@nendinosaurus]

@@LoveMTB Great content! Do you think the olive is inserted in the lever already for M6000 Deore brakes as well? There is one in the small parts bag in the box, but I reckon it might be for when you shorten the hoses?

[@pgjudo]

@@nendinosaurus you get an olive in the box, because it’s necessary to use it. The olives are single use only; basically crush washers that permanently deform to make a good seal. If you remove the hose, you need a new crush washer.

[@vinfoy565]

I was just about to comment the same thing about the olive! I'm glad I found this video and won't accidently put another olive on when I go to put on a new brake lever this weekend! Lol. Very helpful video

[@pgjudo]

@@vinfoy565 not a good idea. I’ve never purchased a Shimano lever that came with an olive inside the lever. Putting an olive on the hose when you insert the hose into the lever is best practice.

[@Davill2011]

Awesome video bro! You explained very well how to do a proper installation of brakes and levers with common tools and sense. Thanks for the links as well!

[@DrSizbang]

Very well made video, thank you for the detailed instructions - had no problem fitting my new brake set.

[@mahcf594]

Best instructions I found! Thanks!

[@LoveMTB]

Great to hear!

[@sheddrip8671]

4:50 i recommend using dog nail clippers(if you have ones). Works like a charm

[@xyampatuan]

Just installed my Slx M7100 and its so good came from Deore M6100 both 2 pistons

[@michaellavelle7681]

Is the olive already inside the new break lever? I want to know just incase I have to remove the brake line at some point. Thanks for your great videos.

[@piworower]

I was wondering the same. Thanks for the reply lovemtb.

[@donchristie420]

Good thing I accidentally stocked up on isopropyl before covid😳 I did give some up though, cause can’t get it now

[@daverotors]

Thanks a lot for the video! I'm thinking about getting some new Shimano brakes and was wondering whether I should just leave the installation to the mechanic or if I could do it myself. Guess I'll go give it a try 🙂

[@LoveMTB]

You HAVE to. And check the first repply in the comments for more info.

[@AnGelo-nv1hx]

Great tutorial! Just mounted the Deore XT with it. 👌🏻

[@LoveMTB]

Enjoy!

[@leoabal8952]

Great video! Just starting installing XT brakes following your step by step... about that safety clip included...for what? Thanks a lot from Uruguay

[@Latino_PL]

Did you find out what this clip is for? Where is it mounted? I just bought a shimano Deore and I don't know what it is for either?

[@alfonsogalindo7286]

Thanks for making this great video. I’m upgrading my bike from some cable actuated BB7s to a set of SLX M7120s. I decided to go for the 4 piston set up to get the extra stopping power due to my weight

[@alfonsogalindo7286]

@@LoveMTB I’m sure it will be! Brakes should be delivered early next week!

[@dylanlaister]

Your videos are the perfect pace and so helpful. Thank you!

[@filipkaspar8181]

Hi, thank you for the video. What is the safety clip in the beginning used for?

[@Latino_PL]

I am also looking for this information? did you find out?

[@adriancabrera3014]

Well im preparing for the assembly of my new spark ⚡️ so I have a question 🙋🏽‍♂️ How I install olives and insert ? I already did that for the first time when my brakes where new but I’m afraid I must remove all the line and I’m gonna need everything new.

[@bwk80]

Great, clear instructions. Thanks!

[@georgek1518]

I'm replacing just the hose for a higher handlebar, how do I properly fill the empty hose with fluid after connecting and running the hose to the brake. Great videos, did you make a video about filling a new hose? Thanks.

[@NM4500]

Why don't you recommend the Shimano hose cutter tool? It's way to expensive but so nice to use. I just did my first brake install and because I was too afraid to mess it up that I bit the bullet and got the tool. All went smooth and dummies like can cut and press perfectly straight with it. I just hope I will use it again for that price.

[@Tomzzzzzz]

I've never installed brand new Shimano brakes before, but I am about to install some XT M8100 brakes so this video was very helpful! I assume the brake lever master cylinder comes pre-loaded with mineral oil as well as the hoses and caliper? I'm hoping to avoid having to do a full brake bleed if possible. Routing the rear brake hose through the frame will also be a challenge. My 2022 Tallboy frame came with a rubber tube that gets inserted into the rear traiagle port on the seat stay and the hose goes inside that tube inside the seat stay. I guess the rubber tube is intended to prevent rattling of the brake hose inside the frame. Did you come across this on your Tallboy? UPDATE: I just looked at the video again and I don't see where you cut the hose to size. I'm a bit confused about the witness mark. Not sure how the witness mark comes into play, but based on the Shimano instructions it sounds like it's only relevant if you are using their cutting and barb insertion tool TL-BH62. It looks like the witness mark and the measurement per the manual allows you to line the hose up correctly in their tool for cutting purposes. If you are not cutting using their tool then the witness mark and measurement serves no purpose?

[@Latino_PL]

I'm getting ready for the first independent brake replacement from shimano MT-200 to shimano Deore BR-M6100. I have a question about one part you show at the beginning of the video that is included in the kit: the safety clip (next to the mounting screws). When installing the brake, you don't mention it anymore... What is it for? Where is it mounted?

[@LoveMTB]

It is installed on top of the mounting screw - push on to snap in place. Not needed never installed by anyone. Have fun with it

[@aaronadventure]

you shouldn't have to take the pre-installed olive out of the lever, right? I feel like I had everything set, then decided yes, I have to cut down the cable length cut it, installed the pin, tried to put it back together and now can't get it to stop squirting oil out from around the connection when I squeeze the lever :(

[@LoveMTB]

Most probably your hose did not go through the olive all the way so you do not have a secure hose connection.... new insert and olive needed to fix.

[@stevecasey6411]

Excellent ,excellent tutorial! Thank you so much!

[@pappoy588]

This has helped me so much. Thank you sir!

[@englishguy1985]

Hi Lovemtb, Thank you for the great video, what is you favorite brake set? My 2021 canyon spectral came with Hayes disc brakes and I really am not a big fan. Thanks

[@EDMLuigiRS]

Very informative video like always thanks!!

[@THRENO82]

Do you just wrap the floss around and pull it through. That easy ,or do you tape it? Also do you plug the hose?

[@LoveMTB]

Tape on top

[@a.c.d.r.5401]

Hi. Thanks . Fantastic video. Answer, between brakes xt 8100 and slx 7100, which ones? Maybe you explain un the video but i dont speak english very well

[@RideAlongside]

That hose insert is more commonly called a barb, just in case someone loses one and needs to ask for another one at the local bike shop

[@Eroldlite]

Why not use the existing cables instead of replacing them?

[@sensai_miagi]

Hi is it really so easy to install the hose to the lever!? Just tighten the retainer!? How do I know the retainer is already wound out? For sure on new lever out of box? Thanks for your excellent videos :)

[@MrMyfirstvideo]

Careful to get the hose through the olive before tightening or you might push it in and get it crushed in there like I did. Now can't get it out.

[@MrMyfirstvideo]

Funny because the first one went perfect. Got it out, now reinstall and bleed. Thanks for the videos!

[@cjelvado]

Thanks for the great video! One question--how did you attach the dental floss to the old housing before you pulled it through the frame? Thanks.

[@stevenreschke4290]

Your install here includes use of the hose barb, but olive or compression ring when tightening the shortened brake hose. Why is that?

[@jeremydwyer9848]

Why do you remove the pads? Is that to better center them or to protect from contamination?

[@mariuco3]

Great video. Will be helpful. Only a question. At 10:25 when you insert de hose in the lever, ¿is the olive inside the lever? will the hose with the insert go easily through the olive?

[@karsten0981]

Great Video Again! Very exited about the clamp adapter Do know by any chance if there is one that will work for an XTR BR- M910 and SRAM XO 11speed shifter?

[@karsten0981]

@@LoveMTB yes the 9100👍 Thanks 🙏 I am still looking for the right one

[@PornobrillenAli]

if you want a leeking system with air inside then you have to follow the instructions in this video. No olive replacement, no bleeding.

[@vlam75]

Hi Congratulations on great brake tutorial ….. based on information i viewed on some of your other reviews….. I decided to purchased new pair Shimano XT M8120’s to replace the MT200 brakes on my new Focus Jarifa2 which are a bit How’dy Do Dee in terms on braking capabilities if u get my drift ! Is it ok to use my existing brake lines rather than rerouting the new ones provided ? My guess is that I will invariably need to get a specialist or a specialist tool to fit some of the new line ends ….. if it’s ok to utilise my current lines as the XT ends differ to the MT200 line connectors. Cheers

[@pappafrita]

Love this, thank you for taking the time to share!

[@mjbrakspear]

Great video. After these steps are complete would you recommend attaching a funnel and filling with some oil and pumping the brakes to release any air that might have entered at the top?

[@mjbrakspear]

@@LoveMTB Hero. I've just ordered some M6120s and will be using this as my guide. Thanks man!

[@MarioGoatse]

Justice upgraded my Tektro M275s to Shimano XT 8120 with Ice Tech rotors. Now I can actually rely on my brakes!

[@LoveMTB]

Nice setup, enjoy!

[@IthacaDon]

I didn't see anything about XTR brakes. Looking to find out how to attach XTR shifter to XTR brake connector on handle bars.

[@seanmcnamara9029]

Excellent video, I’ve got a question for you what nm do you do the brake clamp Shimano XT M81200 on a carbon bar because my new bike I’m adding new bars I’ve never had Shimano what it is I’m getting a new bike built for us I’m adding the new bars.

[@andremack3932]

Great instruction with fine comments ;), i will start installing new brakes today. Thanks

[@SuperRedhat123]

Thanks! You are a great teacher.

[@LoveMTB]

Appreciate it☺

[@PhysyQ]

Hi, I need to install new brakes on a recumbent bike so I actually have to use the whole hose length. Should I just screw the hose in the lever nut? the original isnert has a seal, does it break when tighting or I need to break it before screwing? Thanks

[@LoveMTB]

You have to cut that little bit off

[@joeMopar412]

I didn't see you add the olive. Was it inside the lever already?

[@alexmalone1642]

I am warching u frim Bucharest! I am glade i have translation in my language 😎

[@simont3686]

My new bakes came with a full 180mm adapter and screw kit in the box.

[@jamesthompson327]

Hey, great video very informative. Is there a way to remove the free play in the lever? I saw a hack in another video that shows removing the wheel and closing the distance between the pad and rotor. What do you think of this?

[@mikemeagher3066]

Why remove the brake pads, esp w/o a brake block?? Couldn't one just be VERY careful opening the lever and installing the cable. And then be VERY careful while bleeding. In fact, couldn't you just have the wheels on when you do both of the above so you don't blow the pistons? Still, a very helpful video--thanks much!