Brake Pad Engagement on XT Brakes

[AlanD]

Hi Hubbers,

 

Installed a new set of xt brakes. Cut hoses to fit and bled the system....all seemed to go well.

 

I find the pads engage a little late when lever pressed but when engagaed stopping power is good.

 

Any tips to make the pads engage a little sooner so effectively being a bit sharper? Tried the free flow screw but seems to do nothing.

 

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[JXV]

You might still have air. The XT lever has a reach and free stroke adjustment.

Also check pads are properly aligned to the discs - as in exactly parallel in both the radial and rotary directions. If not parallel it can cause the disc to retract more with more stroke before it engages next time you need it.

 

Seizing should not happen on a new set but check visually that all pistons are moving in by same amount when you apply brakes.

[Don Sol]

Ya ive found it on xt and xtr shimano brakes. What ive noticed is that the yellow spacer block is a fraction to wide. In fact some forums the guys shave it. what I do is once ive bled it I leave the top resevoir in place with fluid. Put the calipers and pads back onto the bike with the wheel/rotor. I then pump the brake lever a few times which brings the pistons a touch closer to the rotor. The piston, especially new brakes, will pull all the way back again quickly. So the quicker you get the brake reservoir cap in the better. You can even keep the lever depressed while you remove the fluid reservoir and put the cap in.some times it can be too close. So trial and error. That free stroke screw is supposed to correct that. But its fractions. Also bleed with the freestroke screwed out.

[Spoke101]

Get your self the 120ml shimano mineral oil and then top up the reservoir in the leaver. Do thos by dripping the fluid into the bleed port and then pulling/flicking the brake lever. Repeat till full and no more air bubbles are coming up.

[AlanD]

Thanks for the reply all. Will try all the things mentioned. Happy riding.