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Is there any way to fix this crack before it breaks entirely? It's a Shimano BL-MT500. AFAIK Shimano don't offer a replacement part for the clamp only, you have to buy a complete new lever.
I can't see the picture, but "cracked brake lever" is pretty much an automatic "NO!"
Just fixed my post, embedded image didn't work for some reason. Sorry, I should have been clearer, it's the clamp that has cracked not the lever!
£20 for a new one?
It's not the money that's the problem, it's having to learn a complete new skill! My only experience with hydraulic discs so far is changing the pads...
I couldn't find the Shimano spares diagram so I think the clamp just comes as part of the lever.
When did you get the brakes? Who installed them? Have they been in an accident? It looks like the clamp has been overtightened but it's plausible there is a manufacturing defect (assuming you can demonstrate it's been installed correctly).
The brakes came with the bike, but I have changed their position a few times. Each time I tightened the clamp to the Shimano-specified 6-8Nm using a torque wrench. I think the first time I noticed the crack was when installing my new XT shifter. The specified torque for this is 3Nm!
I've not tried taking apart one if those hinged clamps but you could buy a new lever, try to dismantle the old one, then (assuming you've worked out the process) rebuild it onto your old lever.
It’s not the money that’s the problem, it’s having to learn a complete new skill!
Doing sound repairs on metal is a hell of a lot harder than bleeding brakes!
Shimano-specified 6-8Nm
Sounds like a lot to me. I do my brake clamps up to 4-5 Nm. I have no idea what the torque spec is on my SRAM brakes. See if they'll warranty it.
I've never bothered with a torque wrench for shifters and brake levers. I just nip them up enough that they don't move under normal use, but will still move easily in a crash. That would be much less than 6 Nm
I just nip them up enough that they don’t move under normal use, but will still move easily in a crash.
+1
I'm sure there are plenty of good uses for a torque wrench but this isn't one of them.
Not sure it's wise to try repairing a cracked lever. Swapping a bit yes, fixing not so sure. It's not like it might get really messy if it breaks (brakes - ha ha) in use is it...?
Look on eBay for a set of matching brakes especially those that are for spares and repairs, remove the hinge pin on yours (It’s a bit fiddly) and donor set and swap replacement clamp and reinstall pin. I have done this on similar clamps - with no issues.
Cheers scotroutes / jamj1974, that sounds like a plan!