Installing a new Shimano brakeset

[MTBc]

Quick question for a 1st-time brakeset installer: If I order a new brakeset (XT / M785), do they usually come ready to install, or is bleeding required?

 

See this on CWC:

Bleeding the system is easy thanks to an inline cylinder and one-way bleeding caliper

The Shimano XT M785 hydraulic rear disc brake includes lever, caliper, metal pads and 170cm hydraulic hose length;

 

Does that mean I get 1 hose and need to cut to fit (and bleeding required)? And assuming I'd need to get some mineral oil too if that's the case.

 

Found this which is definitely going to help: https://www.bikehub.co.za/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=237296 - from the looks of it, it's pretty straight forward to build a bleed kit, or are there existing kits to buy that don't cost an arm and a leg (saw an IceToolz universal one, probably useful to have if doing lots of bleeding of various brakes - any feedback on it?)

 

Thanks

[alexwc46]

They come ready to use. Hoses might be a bit long, so if you need to shorten them you may have to bleed them.

[MTBc]

thanks.

[Cruz Addict]

They come ready to use. Hoses might be a bit long, so if you need to shorten them you may have to bleed them.

not to say this is impossible but the last 2 i have bought from cwc came as parts which i had to build, if they come ready bled they hoses are likely to be wrong, a large 29er FS has a very different hose length requirement to a small 26er hardtail.

in my case they came with the hoses, olives, calipers and levers in a box,9 think the levers and calipers were separate boxes) with 2 100ml bottles of fluid, i used just under 1 for a full system setup and had 1 spare.

 

the inital bleed was very easy and i didnt even need the bleeding tool, i managed to get it right without to much fuss, first set i messed a shed load of oil and still got it right.

[MTBc]

if they come ready bled they hoses are likely to be wrong, a large 29er FS has a very different hose length requirement to a small 26er hardtail.

 

Thanks, shouldn't be too difficult. Btw, it's a large 29er FS - will make life easy if it comes ready bled

[NicoBoshoff]

I bought a set for my DH bike which has a long wheelbase and they were still way too long.  I followed a site called Epicbleedsolutions to do the shortening without having to bleed the brakes.

 

I did it failry successfully, but had to ultimately top up the brake fluid and do a quick bleed.  But the bleed is helluva easy.

[RichieT]

With this kit you will not fear brake bleeding!

http://www.buycycle.co.za/en/workshop-and-tools/tools/brake-tools.html

 

[RichieT]

Actually, this is really all you need, the syringe you can get from a chemist for peanuts, and the tubing from an aquarium shop

http://www.evobikes.co.za/components/brakes/brake-accessories/shimano-oil-funnel-oil-stopper.html

[Eddie Stafford]

I am shortening a pair of new Shimano Deore brakes tonight and will also use the guide on Epicbleedsolutions – How to do the shortening without having to bleed the brakes.  It is the best step by step guide on the topic that I could find on the internet.

Will let you know tomorrow how it went.

[MTBc]

Came across this, doesn't require opening the reservoir cap and uses a funnel. Bleeds it from the caliper to the the lever

 

http://www.epicbleedsolutions.com/blog/how-to-bleed-new-shimano-brakes/

[RichieT]

This is great, I have used this a few times.

Just a couple of issues;

When done, loosen off the top filler cap to release the surplus pressure/oil

This can cause you to have to lightly bleed the brkes, just the luck of the draw

 

http://www.epicbleedsolutions.com/blog/shorten-shimano-hoses-without-bleeding/

[MTBc]

I am shortening a pair of new Shimano Deore brakes tonight and will also use the guide on Epicbleedsolutions – How to do the shortening without having to bleed the brakes.  It is the best step by step guide on the topic that I could find on the internet.

Will let you know tomorrow how it went.

 

Here: http://www.epicbleedsolutions.com/blog/shorten-shimano-hoses-without-bleeding/awesome, keen to hear how it goes. take pikchas.

[MTBc]

snap ritchie 

[Bigjim]

Fit brakes, take them to your LBS for cable shortening/ bleeding if required - cost me R100

[NicoBoshoff]

Fit brakes, take them to your LBS for cable shortening/ bleeding if required - cost me R100

Or learn how to do it yourself and never pay someone again.

[MTBc]

Or learn how to do it yourself and never pay someone again.

 

exactly. By the 7th bleed I've recouped the costs on the toolkit.