Whats up with my XT brakes?

Solved my issue finally; replaced them 😆

XT 8000’s still rock solid…

While my XT braked bike was in the LBS having it’s suspension service I let them do a full bleed on them and explained the issue. Came back bob on. I was really impressed. Still not quite as firm as the SLX set (that haven’t had a bleed in 1000+ miles and 16 months of use) but not far off.

Two or three rides later… the XTs are starting to feel less firm already.

I think if I didn’t have the SLX to compare to I’d not bother but I do…

I replaced the pads and rotor like i mentioned earlier, had one ride where everything was super tight and cool and like new. Then back to spongy crappy braking that pumped up. Only thing i havent replaced is the caliper and hose now so they’re my next targets. I suspect there’s a leak somewhere.

Jack.

Just had to bleed both my new xt m8000s.

I already did the rear two weeks ago and the bike has only been out once since.

Brakes were both spongy and could be pulled to the bar. I think they may be going back as I’ve only had them a few weeks 👿

Bled mine to the letter of the law with an Epic kit this time, stayed good for 2-3 weeks (a record)! Then I had to have 3 weeks off, now back to shit again

Chipbutty – Member
Fed up with my rear XT and dropping wheel out to pump pistons out to allow for pad wear! Tried bleeding but still comes back. Just ordered Hope E4s last night!

Pretty much how I remidied the issue! And Shimano/Madison still refuse to acknowledge there is an issue even after 5 pages on this thread alone!!

Posted about this on another thread, I had XT M8000’s on both my FS and HT but experienced either a lack of modulation or low modulation, so one minute the levers are touching the grips the next the the slightest touch locks the brakes on both sets. Despite regular bleeds I gave up on the FS and fitted SRAM Guides RSC’s, a revelation so far, will probably look to swap-out the XT’s on my HT as funds become available.

This has happened twoice on my rear XT. My LBS told me that the levers will eventually fail, after months of harsh peak district riding. When they went to replace the hose, they told me it couldnt be done due to the lever being corroded inside. So I replaced the unit and the same thing has happened again. The lever pulls all the way back to the bar, even after a full bleed.

I’m going back to my cheaper more reliable Deores.

Noticed a nice coating of oil on the linkage and behind the lever blade on both my SLXs at the weekend. Looking forward to the master cylinder completely giving up (again, the rear is a warranty replacement)

I’m on my second set doing this and going to swap the calliper around replacing the front with a spare Saint and putting the “good” front XT on the rear. Will let you know how they go

Question for people, how are you all storing your bikes? My last one died after a trip to wales and putting the bike upside down in a van. The new one has died since i moved house and store the bike by hanging it on the front wheel in the garage.

my gut feeling is that Shimano brakes like to be kept the right way up at all times.

Mine hang up by front or rear wheel alternately.

On two wheels, so always the right way up.

Mine is definitely the rear calliper, the inner pad doesn’t make full contact with the disc. Same has happened to several people i know, all with XT’s.

i’ve swapped out to my brand new spare set of brakes (Formula CR1’s) which depending on what you read will be awesome and last for ever or will kill me in seconds.

Ive just bought some XT M8000’s. Now thinking about sending them back after this thread. Question is what is the alternative for good solid XC brakes then? Ive had XO’s in the past and they were pretty good for me despite some shocking reviews. Other thoughts?