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Shimano Brake Levers - 4 vs 2 pot

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[#12790232]

I've heard this is the place if you can't find a definitive answer on tech stuff elsewhere, so here goes...

If I have a Shimano brake lever from a 4 pot brake (Zee), will it be compatible with a 2 pot caliper (SLX)?

The reason for asking is not purely for the heck of it. I've got a new SLX brake that has one of the new levers - with a clamp AND a bit that rests against the bar outboard of the clamp. This has caused a slight compatibility issue with the dropper remote as I can't now position it exactly as I'd like. So, when the opportunity arises, I'd like to swap in the old lever that has the more sensible bar interface.

The worry is that the 4 pot lever has a different volume push that won't play nicely with the 2 pot caliper.

Anyone know the answer, please?


 
Posted : 14/04/2023 10:36 pm
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Should be OK. We are running XT/XTR 2 pot levers with Saint calipers with no problems


 
Posted : 14/04/2023 10:44 pm
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Brilliant, thanks. Obvs that is the other way around lever vs caliper but it means the volume of fluid in the push must be the same.

Ta.


 
Posted : 14/04/2023 10:50 pm
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My understanding is that all Shimano levers and calipers are compatible, provided you have the correct hose fittings at each end. I've always assumed that means they have the same diameter pistons, but I'm not certain of that.

I have some SLX levers on one bike and Saint levers on another, with one 4-pot Saint caliper on the front of each bike and one 2-pot SLX caliper on the back. Works absolutely fine.


 
Posted : 15/04/2023 8:13 am
dc1988 reacted
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I believe the Zee lever is just a rebranded Deore lever from an era when Deore only came with two pistons.


 
Posted : 15/04/2023 8:59 am