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[Closed] Question about XT Brake Levers

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The XT brake levers on my bike are both very stiff. They work, in that well I pull them the brakes work but they dont seem to spring back to their original position.

Is it true that XT brake levers cant be serviced and will need to be replaced? Replacement levers are £25 each on CRC. If I do need to replace them do I need anything else other than the levers?

Thanks


 
Posted : 22/03/2015 5:11 pm
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Also, what does I Spec B mean?


 
Posted : 22/03/2015 7:38 pm
 jimw
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No, you don't need anything else other than a bleed kit.
I Spec B is the most recent version of Shimano's system for combining shifters to the brake lever clamps, allowing fewer clamps on the bars

They are supposed to be non servicable, never tried. If stiff, have you tried lubricating the pivots? Just a thought


 
Posted : 22/03/2015 7:58 pm
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Not returning is the first stage of it going fubar, one of mine went this way a few weeks ago so I replaced it with a saint lever pinched from the dh bike.


 
Posted : 22/03/2015 8:37 pm
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Thanks Jim

Maybe stiff isn't the right word. Its more that they seem to have lost their "springy-return-e-ness".

I will try a little lube and see if that helps...


 
Posted : 22/03/2015 8:37 pm
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Both of my XTR trail levers did this last year. It's something to do with the nylon piston swelling, no idea why before anyone asks.
I took mine apart and bought a couple of SLX levers from crc cheap and robbed the piston and seals for the XTR's.
It's do-able, but I think if I had the XT levers I'd of probably saved myself the hassle and just bought new levers.


 
Posted : 22/03/2015 10:50 pm
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So there were no instructions with the new levers when they arrived.

Is it just a case of pulling back the rubber cover from the hoses, unscrewing and then screwing into the new levers - then bleeding the system?

Thanks.


 
Posted : 28/03/2015 10:12 am
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Here you go

http://www.epicbleedsolutions.com/blog/shorten-shimano-hoses-without-bleeding/

It's not exclusively about swapping levers but halfway through it does show you what to do with pins and olives and so on.


 
Posted : 28/03/2015 10:14 am
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How old are they? I think you get 2 years warranty on xt parts. (it may be 1 year, I'm sure someone will confirm this)


 
Posted : 28/03/2015 10:44 am
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Thanks great tape. Just the job!

Damascus, the original levers are over 2 years old. Thanks though.


 
Posted : 28/03/2015 11:02 am
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The XT brake levers on my bike are both very stiff. They work, in that well I pull them the brakes work but they dont seem to spring back to their original position.

Is it true that XT brake levers cant be serviced and will need to be replaced? Replacement levers are £25 each on CRC. If I do need to replace them do I need anything else other than the levers?

Thanks

Thinking out loud. Have your brakes ever been bled & possibly re-filled with something other than Shimano mineral oil ?

D.


 
Posted : 28/03/2015 11:05 am
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All Shimano has a two year warranty apart from XTR and Dura Ace which has three years.


 
Posted : 28/03/2015 11:07 am
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Davesport - Member
The XT brake levers on my bike are both very stiff. They work, in that well I pull them the brakes work but they dont seem to spring back to their original position.
Is it true that XT brake levers cant be serviced and will need to be replaced? Replacement levers are £25 each on CRC. If I do need to replace them do I need anything else other than the levers?
Thanks
Thinking out loud. Have your brakes ever been bled & possibly re-filled with something other than Shimano mineral oil ?

Citroen LMA brake fluid (mineral oil) cheap as.


 
Posted : 28/03/2015 11:10 am
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Davesport - Member
The XT brake levers on my bike are both very stiff. They work, in that well I pull them the brakes work but they dont seem to spring back to their original position.
Is it true that XT brake levers cant be serviced and will need to be replaced? Replacement levers are £25 each on CRC. If I do need to replace them do I need anything else other than the levers?
Thanks
Thinking out loud. Have your brakes ever been bled & possibly re-filled with something other than Shimano mineral oil ?

Citroen LMA brake fluid (mineral oil) cheap as.

You learn something every day !

Thanks. D.


 
Posted : 28/03/2015 11:24 am
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Yep, Citroen sus fluid here too, about £8 for a litre in halfords! Reccomended to me by my LBS


 
Posted : 28/03/2015 6:22 pm