johanpre44 Posted October 30, 2017 Posted October 30, 2017 After googling and not having too much luck I thought it's best to post here to see if anyone has some experience. I have a broken Brake Lever (or just the blade, master cylinder is still perfect). It's also the cheap kind (M445 which was spec'ed on many entry level bikes in 2012/2013). Now this being Shimano and a bit old I cannot find a replacement lever of the same model but was wondering if anyone has experience with mixing and matching Shimano Brake levers and Calipers. Unfortunately nothing about this sort of cross-compatibility on Shimano's website (they obviously want me to buy a complete brake). As far as I know there are wide and narrow brake pads that works best with the matching rotors (the more expensive brakes generally using the narrower kind). Then there are 5 different hoses as well. I cannot think that the ratio of mineral oil being pushed from the lever to the caliper are different between the Shimano models of at least he same age (like the M615, M675, M785, m985 brakes all being almost exactly the same with slight differences in terms of adjust-ability of the lever and materials on both the lever and caliper). I was thinking of seeing if I can find a set of Deore M615 Levers (or maybe the older M506 models) and pair them with the M445 Calipers. At least if I go with the newer Deore capipers (even the MT500 or M6000) I should not have a problem finding a replacement the next time it breaks. Any suggestions welcome.
BaGearA Posted October 30, 2017 Posted October 30, 2017 I think it'll work just fine , got a mate that paired xtr levers m978 ( or something) with xt calipers m8... something
PhilipV Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 It'll be fine. Mate of mine paired saint calipers with XTR levers, and another friend also paired different shimano marques.
Skinnyone Posted October 31, 2017 Posted October 31, 2017 any lever will work with any caliper - there may be a slight difference in feel but that will be marginal - so long as they are bled correctly you'll be fine. Just be aware of the different types of hose inserts - a lot of the newer levers have a small protrusion that goes into the hose insert. If you use the insert with the smaller hole then you will crush this protrusion and ruin the lever....you can use the insert with the larger hole on any lever though...
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