Shimano XT Brake Lever Blade Replacement

This video is a detailed walkthrough on how to replace the brake lever blade on a Shimano SLX, XT, XTR hydraulic brake.
Replacement Blades are not always easy to find and it might be worth looking at replacing the whole unit or even upgrading.
Order an XTR brake blade here: amzn.to/47UBIxU
Order an after-market alternative here: amzn.to/3GpqZj4
The above links are referral links to Amazon and help keep this channel alive.

[@mattreba]

This was a great video. I found for me it was easiest to push the pin fully in without the spring. It was easier to shift the lever blade up to make room for the spring when there was no tension on the lever. Then I used a hex bit to carefully push the pin back out until the gap was clear for the spring. Again this was easier when there wasn't tension on the lever. I compressed the lever, inserted the spring and used a pick from the bottom to align the spring and clear the hole and gently tapped the pin fully home.

[@rossjacksonmtb]

Great video. Very easy to follow. These levers are rubbish - I’ve snapped 2 in the past year. First time I replaced the whole lever unit but have ordered just a lever this time and will follow these instructions. Thanks!

[@atiboa]

I think better swap a lever blade, than to buy a whole new lever assy. Doesn't matter if you had a serious, high speed crash, or the bike just fell over on a trail from a stopped position. If the lever get a specific amount of force from bottom/top of the lever blade, it will bend. Also from the shape of it, it's obvious that's meant to happen like this. Cheers!

[@endruboy111]

Thanks for the vid! A little bit of lighting from the camera angle even a bike flashlight would help a great deal in seeing the screws, spring and whatnot, but still helpful thanks!

[@ksmoghadam]

appreciate the knowledge transfer but honestly folks that effing spring is nearly impossible to line up with the thru bolt and holes. I wasted a good hour attempting this fix. The thru bolt finally went in, not worth the time and frustration. take it in to your lbs or better yet, shop for new brake lever

[@adamquinn7521]

I have to agree. Putting the spring in is the most frustrating thing. Very poor design. After spending hours trying to get the spring to fit. Deff not worth the frustration.