The better (and easier) way to bleed Shimano brakes | Syd Fixes Bikes

Brake bleeds might seem like magic, but they're pretty straight forward if you have the right tools. Here's the method that a Shimano race mechanic taught us that's both better AND easier that the standard syringe method.

What you'll need:

Other things in the shed:

00:00 Intro
00:24 What you'll need
00:48 Why should you do this?
01:46 Why gravity bleed?
02:38 Gravity bleed setup
05:18 Gravity bleeding Shimano brakes
09:27 Cleanup
10:11 Finishing up
11:25 How to do a gravity bleed in one minute

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[sydfixesbikes]

If this video was helpful and saved you time and/or money, consider supporting the channel by hitting the "Thanks" button above to leave a tip.

[sydfixesbikes]

In honor of hitting 10k subscribers today, we're posting a second video this week!! Thanks so much to all of you for the love you have shown this channel! You are the best and we are stoked to keep the videos coming ☺️

[bmxnryan]

Thought I needed a full brake bleed and went through this whole video to find out that I only needed a lever bleed, which was so cleverly plugged! This channel has me stoked to start wrenching on my bike myself!

[davesmith]

It’s Christmas and I wanted to say what a great help all your videos have been to me learning how to fix bikes. Forget the nit pickers these tutorials are excellent. Keep up the good work!

[mikegadoua]

I am a weekend car mechanic for over 40 years
You method is superior in bleeding the brakes then using a syringe pushing all the dirty fluid back up the line
Contaminating the handlever, , by doing gravity feed you are flushing all the dirty oil out great work
It would be even better if a syringe Was at the hand lever forcing the fluid out just like its done on cars

Great job

[pmcnic]

I recommend watching the park tool video on cleaning and lubing the pistons before you push them in

[keacoq]

Good channel. By having actual work done by Syd (who acts as a beginner, but who is evidently no longer a beginner) the videos show how to deal with the difficulties commonly faced by a beginner.

[dbfcrell]

During a gravity feed, you should also flick the brake line with your finger to free up any air bubbles that are stuck in the line. The lever should be flicked too, not just pumped, but be sure not to introduce any air into the system.

[wallieeverest]

Instead of Brake Cleaner spray, consider Mass Airflow Sensor cleaner. It's more compatible with seals, plastic parts, paint, etc. Thanks for this very helpful gravity feed technique!

[gerryfrancis]

I love this because someone is explaining what's going wrong rather than some genius saying just do xyz and you're done!

[harvardfacebook]

When I saw how long this video was :12:35, I said to myself “this is going to be one boring video, ” I was wrong. Very enjoyable and informative video, great teacher and learner as well.

[im]

Most excellent tutorial. Puts others to shame. Very well explaining and simplifying. I did my first ever bleed with your guide in 30 min. THX

[subliminalcpd]

Great video however, id like to share a word of caution! Dont force the pistons back on a Shimano brake without removing the lever oil cap. There is a equalization bladder in lever that can rupture and this is not repairable to the best of my knowledge. Iv ruined 2 XT levers in this way before I realized what had happened.

[kazenokami]

Dropped my brake piston out of my caliper by accident and was forced to bleed the brake on my own since I wanted to go out for a ride and this method actually worked insanely well. Thanks. :D

[shanefrank]

I've done bleeding on numerous cars, motorcycles and bikes over the years. Generally on cars and motorcycles I pressurize the reservoir and bleed. But on bikes it seems most manufacturers recommended something similar to the Shimano syringe method. I've never understood the need to push through fluid form the bottom then push it back through from the top. I like the simplicity of the gravity feed method much more. Thanks for the video!

[BikeSeatPhilosopher]

These are the best how-to videos -- thorough yet fun and simple.

[RDB]

Also, before you bleed this is the best time to clean the caliper, push the pistons out slightly and rub mineral oil around the pistons to lubricate the piston seals.

[djb]

It is really useful to have a non-expert doing the work. Pros tend to skip bits that have a knack to them without even noticing.

[gvvmhh]

You guys are awesome. I’ve never done a bleed before and you made it easy to follow along. I specially love the recap at the end.

[sydfixesbikes]

HOT TIP: Many people have mentioned in the comments that it's better to connect the funnel to the lever BEFORE pushing the pistons so there is a place for the oil to go (into the funnel).