Hi just installed some secondhand Shimano XT 4 pot Brakes. They feel like they don't have all that much bite esp compared to my old Hope brakes. How do I know if they need bleeding? Also any tips on adjustments etc?
Thanks,
Nim
The lever will feel spongey and have a fair bit of travel if they need bleeding.Worth popping the cap off and flicking the lever a few times.If bubbles come up through the fluid then you have air that needs bleeding out.Other things to check are caliper alignment, are the pads hitting the disc dead square and both at the same time? Are the disc and pads clean, may be worth trying new pads and cleaning/scuffing the rotor with 180 grit wet-or-dry paper.
what size rotors are you running ? I have them on 2 bikes 180 front 160 rear and they have plenty of "bite" never felt the need for anything more powerful.