Bleeding brakes: Avid vs Shimano

[Fisan]

I recently watched some videos on Bleeding brakes for both Avid and Shimano - and by the looks of it, bleeding Shimano brakes seems MUCH easier. Is it really much simpler?

 

After watching the Avid video I vowed never to touch the insides of my Avids. The Shimano videos actually made it look easy for the casual DIY person. With CWC's special I'm really start to contemplate to change from Elixir 5's to SLX's.

 

What are your thoughts on this? Is it worth spending on a new brakeset, to servicing costs?

 

I've never had problems with the actual stopping power. I just don't like taking my bike to the LBS every time a brakepad or a rotor gets replaced or when the brakes need the slightest of adjustments.

[dirtypot]

Yes!  Do it, do it now!!

[fanievb]

it looks easy but can be tricky to to a complete bleed the first time. took me 1.5 hours to get all the air out the first time.

[PeterF]

The Shimano's do appear much easier to bleed, but they do not appear to be serviceable in terms of replacing seals and so on. I have bled many Avids and if you follow the correct procedure it is not so bad.

[Sani]

Yes!  Do it, do it now!!

Agree

[fanievb]

just get yourself the bleeding kit (its worth it)

http://www.evobikes.co.za/shimano-disc-brake-bleeding-kit-tl-bt03s.html

for what its worth I use castrol LHM+ when bleeding shimano, never had any issues in 2 years.

 

http://static.race.fi/media/castrol_57-109013%20lhm+.jpg

[HowardSteele]

I have ave bled and serviced both Shimano and avid...Shimano much simpler.

[dirtypot]

I've done and can do both, but Shimano is easier and more understandable to my simple mind.

[Amberdrake]

Shimano ones i do with some tube and syringes nothing fancy required. Avid's i havn't done but seems like a mission. I will say however that shimano's no serviceable policy irritates me. I heard some great things about Guide's so will go for those if I have to replace shimano. 

 

Just remember brakes could be the difference between hospital and drinking a beer after your ride! 

 

On a side note id still do bleed myself with the proper bleed kit.

[Onegear]

just get yourself the bleeding kit (its worth it)

http://www.evobikes.co.za/shimano-disc-brake-bleeding-kit-tl-bt03s.html

for what its worth I use castrol LHM+ when bleeding shimano, never had any issues in 2 years.

 

http://static.race.fi/media/castrol_57-109013%20lhm+.jpg

Sorry cant open the pic propely. Does it say 'mineral oil' on the bottle ? Thanks

[johannrissik]

Just make sure you're using the correct oil for your particular brakes, otherwise brakes can become breaks on that particularly steep learning curve.

[Amberdrake]

Sorry cant open the pic propely. Does it say 'mineral oil' on the bottle ? Thanks

Yes

According to castrol its for bentley, rolls and jag hydraulic systems

[Guest notmyname]

Just spend the 2 hunt on the litre of Shimano, name brand, recommended buy the manufacturer mineral oil. You wouldn't skimp on your car brakes so why do it on you bike.

[Guest notmyname]

Yes

According to castrol its for bentley, rolls and jag hydraulic systems

Don't think any of those companies make bicycle components.

[J∆kk∆ls]

Do it get Shimano slx.

[Amberdrake]

Don't think any of those companies make bicycle components.

Honestly shimano doesnt make the fluid either, they rebrand stuff from a supplier like castrol.

Its mineral oil it will work, it wont eat the seals. The price difference is just not enough to warrant me using unbranded stuff for that purpose. I do use unbranded fork oil.