[Closed] Hayes HFX 9 Question

Very strange as the original bleed hole cap, plugged into that hole along with the bleed port, to secure it in place (both are within a formed shape, the cap fitted into) but as far as I'm aware it's just a locating lug. As the later replacement bleed caps are purely a plug (drawing pin/nail shaped), going into the main bleed port and so the other "hole" is redundant.

That's my take on it anyway, I could well be wrong, are you sure the fluid is coming out of that hole?

Many thanks for your speedy reply. Do you think the fluid could be weeping from the actual bleed port, and so replacing the plug might be a good idea? I did remove the master cylinder cover and then refit it, which I now know was not necessary.... The other odd thing is that when I pull the brake leaver there is a hydraulic type noise from the tiny hole area and fluid appears to almost bubble out, but not every time. Could the bladder not be correctly seated under the cover?

Thanks again,

Dom

Yes, sounds like you dislodged the cap seal. Reseat it and bleed again.
Bleed port caps are 1.99 each at CRC see
http://tinyurl.com/86uhkdq

TBH the weeping out of the bleed hole seems more likely and the replacement plugs are cheap, so it's definitely worth a go.
I've never disassembled my lever though, so you've gone further than my knowledge. Being able to hear fluid noise, is definitely not normal IME. Maybe pop the cover off to confirm you didn't damage it whilst refitting may well be worth a look (though obvious you risk damaging it when refitting again), but a bleed defintely seems in order.
One thing though, when you bleed it previously, you did move the lever to a vertical position didn't you (just asking, not accusing).

EDIT: Matt's link is what I bought as replacements for my brakes

Have you put the rubber plug back into the bleed port ?
If you haven't then you will need to bleed it from the caliper back to the cylinder and replace the plug when the master cyclinder is full and free of air.I swivel the master cyclinder so it is upright on the bars so that the the bleed tube can semi fill with fluid then pull it off and put the plug back in quick.

Great advice, so thank you. I did put the bleed plug back in, but I reckon getting a replacement is probably wise. I will then remove the master cylinder cover, reseat very carefully and re bleed. Hopefully that will do the job! The bike is in the Alps at the moment and I have just got back (cycling across a piste busy with skiers got some odd looks, not to mention completing the ski cross country course on my trusty Giant...), so it will have to wait a few weeks. It will be interesting to see if the system has held pressure.

Thanks again for all your help,

Dom

The tiny hole is a vent to allow the diaphragm to expand and contract, allowing compensaion for differing levels of fluid. When you pull the lever, fluid in the reservoir is pressurised before the piston covers the transfer port and pressurises the brake system, this initial pressure will expand the diaphragm and expel any fluid that may have been spilt on it out through the pin hole.If you've holed the diaphragm the leak will carry on until you run out of fluid/suck in enough air for the lever to go spongey, but it's more likely just spilt fluid, especially if you've removed the top cap.

Coatsey - I think you have it! Many thanks for your great explanation. What you describe sounds just right and explains why there is apparent leakage and yet no loss of pressure. Perhaps I can just leave things be and crack on. We'll see when I next get out to the Alps in Febraury.

All the best,

Dom.