FAQ
Here's a general list of frequently asked questions and answers to do with brake bleeding, setting up your brakes and troubleshooting problems. Search the list or select your brake model below where you can find more FAQs about your specific brake model.
Brake Bleeding
What is brake bleeding?
The term 'brake bleeding' refers to the process by which air bubbles are removed from the brake fluid used in hydraulic braking systems... See more
Why do brakes need to be bled?
All hydraulic brakes are bled or purged for one of two reasons: to remove air bubbles from the brake system or... See more
How can I tell if my brakes need bleeding?
For hydraulic systems to work efficiently they must rely on an incompressible fluid as a means of... See more
How often should I bleed my brakes?
When you suspect air may be present in your brake system and your brake lever.. See more
How difficult is it to bleed brakes?
Easy peasy! As a keen cyclist you will no doubt be used to maintaining.. See more
What equipment do I need to bleed my brakes?
The equipment needed to bleed hydraulic mountain bike brakes differs slightly from model to model but.. See more
Should I drain the old fluid from my brake before bleeding?
Absolutely not. Draining the old brake fluid from your brake before starting the bleed process would be... See more
How much brake fluid do I need to bleed my brakes?
50ml of brake fluid is enough to perform a bleed on one set of bicycle brakes... See more
What is a bleed block?
A bleed block, or piston spacer as it is sometimes known, is an object designed to fit snugly between... See more
Brake Fluid
How do I know which brake fluid to use in my brakes?
The type of brake fluid you should use in your hydraulic brake depends on your brake model... See more
Which brake fluids are used in hydraulic bicycle brakes?
There are two types of brake fluid used in hydraulic bicycle bike brakes today: DOT fluid and mineral oil... See more
What's the difference between DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 brake fluid?
DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are both glycol-based brake fluids and are used widely in the automotive and bicycle... See more
What is the shelf life of DOT and mineral oil brake fluid?
The shelf life of glycol-based DOT brake fluid is very poor due to its hygroscopic properties, which... See more
What is meant by 'degassing' brake fluid?
Degassing will allow you to remove the tiny air bubbles trapped inside the brake fluid. By creating... See more
What is meant by wet and dry boiling points of brake fluid?
The Dry Boiling Point of brake fluid refers to the boiling temperature of fresh, new brake fluid from... See more
Hydraulics
How does air in my brake system affect its performance?
For hydraulic systems to work efficiently they must rely on an in-compressible fluid as a means of transferring... See more
How do air and moisture get into the braking system?
If you open the system to air, when shortening hydraulic hoses for example, this can lead to brake fluid... See more
Troubleshooting
I cannot reset my calliper pistons. What now?
If you're having difficulty resetting the position of your calliper pistons it is probably because... See more
How do I reset my brake calliper pistons?
Resetting the pistons in your brake calliper is one of those tasks you will need to perform when... See more
Why does my brake lever feel spongy after bleeding?
A spongy brake lever, or a brake lever which has to be pulled a long way before you feel the brake... See more