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Some advice please!
I have 3 sets of Shimano Hydraulics, all recent.
x2 sets 2014 Shimano deore
x1 set 2014 XT M785
I was always told to bleed from the caliper [b]UP[/b] the system.
I.e. connect the syringe/hose to the caliper and push mineral oil up through the system either into the yellow cup at the lever end.
However the [url= http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/shimano-r-hydraulic-brake-service-and-adjustment ]Park method[/url] on their website (about 2/3rds down the page) seems to suggest you begin by bleeding from the lever [b]DOWN[/b] the system expelling air out the bottom of the system at the caliper end.
Does anybody have any recent experience with this or advice to offer?
Am I still ok to proceed bleeding bottom to top (caliper to lever) as I have always done as it seems to be the simpler method?
My thanks in advance
Matt
I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about it. I prefer bleeding up as less chance of residual oil in the calliper to grease up the pads, but whatever really.
Done it both ways making use of the bleed funnel up top and a syringe / catch bottle and hose at the bottom. Rock hard lever by both methods. I found I did have to wind the bite adjusters right out to get a good bleed (or perhaps tell if good from the lever feel)
down first, then up - best chance of getting bubbles out of awkward corners
Makes no difference in our opinion. Bleeding both ways makes for a better, more thorough bleed. However you will eradicate most air bubbles bleeding from bottom up as you're encouraging the air to exit the system at the highest point.
It's just those stubborn air bubbles in the calliper that can be a pain. Try pulling back on the syringe plunger too to create a vacuum in the calliper, this will suck out air from the calliper. Just make sure you have fluid in your lever syringe/funnel when you do so.
Thanks for the advice all, I'll try the way I'll always done (Bottom to top)and use your advice and tips, thanks!
Can I use the reverb syringe and tube or do I need a special syringe?
Matt
I can't seem to manage the syringe/caliper interface without it all falling apart, so last time over the course of a couple of hours (bike in the kitchen) I let the calipers hang vertically, loosened the levers, screwed in an epic syringe and Shimano funnel with a bit of fluid and bleed blocks in, then every 10/15 minutes did the tapping/twisting/lever squeezing until no more tiny bubbles. Then a quick lever down bleed and done. That's worked fine.
Matt, it'll be a little tricky to use the reverb syringe at the lever as it will not stand upright due to the tubing connecting the syringe and the adaptor. The adaptor is the correct fitment however. Our Shimano lever syringe has no tubing and is rigid so it'll stand vertical even when filled with brake fluid.
Have a look here:
http://www.epicbleedsolutions.com/products/bleed-kits/shimano/complete-kit/
Thats a handy looking kit -
How many bleeds will 50ml do? Do you offer it with the larger 1L bottle?
Could I use the reverb syringe at the caliper end (combined with yellow funnel thing) or is that not screw fit?
I'm happy to buy the right kit, but don't want to buy stuff if I already have it!!
Thanks for the ongoing advice.
Matt