How to bleed hydraulic bicycle brakes.

Hello,

There are different hydraulic brake systems and they vary slightly in their bleeding procedure but the principle is broadly the same.

I am bleeding some Hope C2s on a friend's  gnarly bike.

They are old but beautifully engineered and are closed system hydraulic brakes.

There are kits to make things easier but this is the old school way using a simple hose.

Step 1: Tools and consumables and naming parts.

You will need an 8mm spanner ( preferably ring ended).

A 26 mm spanner or an adjustable.

Some clean rags.

A small length of tubing or a bleed kit.

The correct brake fluid. ( Some use DOT some use mineral )

Comments

[chequamie]

shimano uses mineral; oil,NOT DOT BRAKE FLUID! and hope, hayes,magura, avid all use a variation of DOT Fluid Do you homework you can do major damage if you use the wrong fluid!

[Jonno013]

Generally, Shimano brakes use hydraulic oil, and hayes/avid use DOT brake fluid. If you are not sure a quick google solves most problems. Great instructable friendofhumanity!

[FriendOfHumanity]

Thanks.

[jessyratfink]

Great walkthrough! :D

[FriendOfHumanity]

Thank you kindly.