DOT Fluid MTB Disc Brake Hose Shortening and Bleed Manual

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Highly specialized tools and supplies are required for the replacement and maintenance of your SRAM components. We recommend that you have a qualified SRAM dealer work on your SRAM components.

Remove the wheel from the bicycle according to the wheel manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Remove the brake pads as shown in the Prepare the Caliper section.

2. Fully extend the Universal Bleed Block.

3. Install the bleed block into the caliper. Align the bleed block with the pad retaining bolt hole and install the pad retainer bolt.

4. Install the Pad Retainer Bolt.

5. Press down on the handle of the bleed block expanding the wedge until it cannot expand further.

Proceed with the bleed procedure.

6. Remove the pad retainer bolt.

7. Remove the Universal Bleed Block.

8. Clean the pistons and caliper before installing the brake pads.

9. Install the brake pads as shown in the Install the Brake Pads section.

1. Fully extend the universal bleed block.

Use the appropriate slot to measure your rotors (1.55 & 1.7 Min.)

2. Use the slot to determine if the rotor is at the minimum recommended width it must be replaced.

Rotor wear will vary by product model. This is normal. Change the rotor when changing the pad material, or when the thickness is less than the minimum stated on the rotor: 1.55 mm for 1.85 mm rotors and 1.7 mm for 2 mm thick rotors.

Remove the wheel from the bicycle according to the wheel manufacturer's instructions.

Secure a shop towel under the hose at the hose connection point to absorb any DOT brake fluid that may drip when the hose is disconnected.

1. Remove the rubber hose boot.

2. Use an 8 mm flare nut wrench to loosen the compression nut.

3. Remove the hose from the lever.

4a. The brakes should be installed with the hose properly routed and secured to the bicycle according to the frame manufacturer’s instructions. For internally-routed frames, cut off the compression fitting then route the hose through the frame.

4b. If included, attach the hose to the installed stem mounted hose clips or hold the hose against the handlebar if using the adhesive clips.

4c-4d. Hold the hose up to the brake lever with a length that creates a gentle bend in the hose and allows the handlebar to freely turn a minimum of 120 degrees to both sides, or as allowed by any rotation limiting devices.

5. Use a SRAM hydraulic hose cutter to cut the excess hose at the lever. Repeat for the other brake.

4a. The brakes should be installed with the hose properly routed and secured to the bicycle according to the frame manufacturer’s instructions. For internally-routed frames, cut off the compression fitting then route the hose through the frame.

4b-4c. Hold the hose up to the brake lever with a length that creates a gentle bend in the hose and allows the handlebar to freely turn a minimum of 120 degrees to both sides, or as allowed by any rotation limiting devices.

5. Use a SRAM hydraulic hose cutter to cut the excess hose at the lever. Repeat for the other brake.

1. Apply SRAM hydraulic disc brake grease to the hose barb threads.

2. Use a T8 TORX wrench to thread the Stealth-a-majig hose barb into the hose until it is flush with the end of the hose.

3. Thread the compression fitting over the hose barb, counter-clockwise, until it is flush or slightly lower than the hose barb.

The compression fitting is reverse threaded.

4. Apply SRAM hydraulic disc brake grease to the compression fitting and compression nut threads.

5. Install the hose firmly into the lever body while threading the compression nut by hand.

6. Use an 8 mm flare nut crowfoot to tighten the compression nut.

7. Install the rubber hose boot.

Proceed to the Bleed Instructions section for your brake caliper type; Bleeding Edge or Non-Bleeding Edge.

SRAM recommends to bleed your brakes at least once a year to ensure optimal braking performance. Bleed your brakes more often if you ride frequently or ride on aggressive terrain that requires heavy braking. SRAM brake bleed videos can be found on sram.com/service

Identify your caliper bleed port style before bleeding your brakes.

To assemble a syringe for the brake lever, thread the bleed clamp assembly with a threaded bleed fitting onto one of the syringe plungers.

1. Fill the syringe for the brake lever with DOT 4 or 5.1 brake fluid until it is about 3/4 full.

Do not use mineral oil.

2-3. Hold the syringe upright, cover the tip with a shop towel, and depress the plunger just enough to remove any air bubbles. The syringe should still be close to 3/4 full.

4. Close the clamp on the syringe for the brake lever.

5. To assemble a syringe for the brake caliper, thread the Bleeding Edge tool assembly onto one of the syringe plungers.

Threaded Bleeding Edge: prepare a syringe with a threaded bleed fitting.

6. Fill the syringe for the brake caliper with a small amount of DOT brake fluid.

Do not use mineral oil.

7. Hold the syringe upright, cover the tip with a shop towel, and depress the plunger just enough to remove any air bubbles.

Remove the wheel from the bicycle according to the wheel manufacturer's instructions.

1. Remove the e-clip.

2. Remove the pad retaining bolt.

3. Remove the brake pads from the caliper.

4. Install the bleed block.

5. Install the pad retainer bolt.

Threaded Bleeding Edge:

6. Use a T10 TORX wrench to remove the caliper bleed screw.

7. Thread the caliper syringe into the bleed port.

Bleeding Edge:

6. Remove the bleed port cover.

7. Use a 4 mm hex wrench to loosen the bleed port valve 1/4 turn.

8. Gently retighten the bleed port.

9. Install the syringe with the Bleeding Edge tool attachment into the bleed port. Push it into the bleed port until you hear and feel it click in place.

10. Rotate the Bleeding Edge tool attachment counter-clockwise one complete rotation to open the system.

Do not exceed two complete rotations.

Remove the wheel from the bicycle according to the wheel manufacturer's instructions.

For levers with Contact Point Adjustment:

1. Rotate the Contact Point Adjustment dial in the opposite direction of the arrow until it stops.

2. Rotate the lever Reach Adjust knob, or hex adjuster, until the lever blade is 75-80 mm from the centerline of the handlebar.

3. Use a T10 TORX to remove the bleed screw from the lever. Fluid will drip out of the bleed port.

Clean any DOT brake fluid that drips from the bleed port with water and a shop towel.

4. Thread the 3/4 full syringe into the lever bleed port.

1. Open the clamp on the syringe at the lever.

2. Hold the syringe vertically. Gently push the plunger down, stopping before air enters the hose tube. Fluid will fill the syringe at the brake caliper.

3. Hold the syringe at the caliper vertically while slowly pulling the syringe plunger at the lever upward to draw fluid from the syringe at the caliper.

Stop before any air enters the hose tube at the caliper.

If needed: repeat steps 2 and 3 until only a small amount of bubbles appear.

Bleeding Edge:

4. Rotate the Bleeding Edge tool attachment clockwise until it stops to close the system.

5. Remove the syringe with the Bleeding Edge tool attachment from the bleed port by pulling the Bleeding Edge tool straight from the caliper. Do not rotate the Bleeding Edge tool while removing.

6. Use a 4 mm hex wrench to tighten the bleed port to 1.6 N·m (14 in-lb).

7. Install the bleed plug.

Threaded Bleeding Edge:

4. Unthread the syringe from the caliper.

5. Use a T10 TORX to install the bleed screw.

8. Squeeze and release the lever blade.

9. Hold the syringe at the lever vertically. Firmly pull on the plunger to create a vacuum, then compress the plunger to pressurize the system. Repeat this process several times or until only a small amount of bubbles exit the system.

10. Lightly compress and release the plunger at the lever to equalize the system.

11. Close the clamp on the syringe at the brake lever.

12. Remove the syringe at the lever from the bleed port. Clean any DOT brake fluid that drips from the bleed port with a shop towel.

13. Install the bleed screw. Use a T10 TORX to tighten the bleed screw to 1.6 N·m (14 in-lb). Clean any DOT brake fluid that drips from the bleed port with a shop towel.

1. Remove the pad retainer bolt.

2. Remove the bleed block.

3. Spray water on the brake lever and caliper and clean them with a shop towel.

4. Install the brake pads.

5. Install the pad retainer bolt.

6. Install the e-clip.

Install the wheel according to the wheel manufacturer's instructions.

7. Squeeze and release the lever blade three times to advance the caliper pistons. On the first squeeze, the blade will come to the bar while the pistons advance, this is normal.

This completes the bleed procedure for SRAM MTB disc brakes (Bleeding Edge). For new brake pads and rotors, complete the Bed-in procedure.

Non-Bleeding Edge bleed port.

1. Thread a bleed clamp assembly onto a syringe plunger. Assemble two syringes.

2. Fill the syringe for the brake caliper with DOT brake fluid until it is about 3/4 full.

Do not use mineral oil.

3. Hold the syringe upright, cover the tip with a shop towel, and depress the plunger just enough to remove any air bubbles. The syringe should still be close to 3/4 full.

4. Fill the syringe for the lever with DOT brake fluid until it is about 1/4 full.

Do not use mineral oil.

5. Hold the syringe upright, cover the tip with a shop towel, and depress the plunger just enough to remove any air bubbles. The syringe should still be close to 1/4 full.

Remove the wheel from the bicycle according to the wheel manufacturer's instructions.

1. Remove the e-clip.

2. Remove the pad retaining bolt.

3. Remove the brake pads from the caliper.

4. Install the bleed block.

5. Use a T10 TORX wrench to remove the caliper bleed screw.

6. Thread the 3/4 full syringe into the caliper bleed port.

Remove the wheel from the bicycle according to the wheel manufacturer's instructions.

For levers with Contact Point Adjustment:

1. Rotate the Contact Point Adjustment dial in the opposite direction of the arrow until it stops.

2. Rotate the lever Reach Adjust knob, or hex adjuster, until the lever blade is 75-80 mm from the centerline of the handlebar.

3. Use a T10 TORX wrench to remove the bleed screw from the lever.

Fluid will drip out of the bleed port. Clean any DOT brake fluid that drips from the bleed port with water and a shop towel.

4. Thread the 1/4 full syringe into the brake lever bleed port.

1. Hold the caliper syringe vertically. Gently push the caliper plunger down, stopping when the caliper syringe is 1/4 full and the lever syringe is 3/4 full.

2. Close the clamp on the syringe at the brake lever.

3. Use a toe strap or your hand to hold the lever blade to the bar. Do not release the lever until instructed to do so.

1. Hold the syringe at the caliper vertically. Firmly pull on the plunger to create a vacuum, then compress the plunger to pressurize the system. Repeat this process several times or until only a small amount of bubbles exit the system.

2. While holding the lever blade to the bar, compress the plunger at the caliper, while gradually releasing the lever, and let the pressure move the lever blade to the fully extended position.

3. Close the clamp on the syringe at the caliper.

4. Remove the syringe at the caliper from the bleed port. Clean any DOT brake fluid that drips from the bleed port with a shop towel.

5. Install the bleed screw. Use a T10 TORX to tighten the bleed screw to 1.6 N·m (14 in-lb). Clean any DOT brake fluid that drips from the bleed port with a shop towel.

1. Open the clamp on the syringe at the brake lever.

2. Hold the syringe at the lever vertically. Firmly pull on the plunger to create a vacuum, then compress the plunger to pressurize the system.

3. Squeeze and release the brake lever ten times, allowing the lever to snap back to its starting position.

If needed: repeat steps 2 and 3 until only a small amount of bubbles appear.

4. Compress and release the plunger at the lever to equalize the system.

5. Close the clamp on the syringe at the lever.

6. Remove the syringe at the lever from the bleed port. Clean any DOT brake fluid that drips from the bleed port with a shop towel.

7. Install the bleed screw. Use a T10 TORX to tighten the bleed screw to 1.6 N·m (14 in-lb). Clean any DOT brake fluid that drips from the bleed port with a shop towel.

1. Remove the bleed block.

2. Spray water on the brake lever and caliper and clean them with a shop towel.

3. Install the brake pads.

4. Install the pad retainer bolt.

5. Install the e-clip.

Install the wheel according to the wheel manufacturer's instructions.

6. Squeeze and release the lever blade three times to advance the caliper pistons. On the first squeeze, the blade will come to the bar while the pistons advance, this is normal.

This completes the bleed procedure for SRAM MTB disc brakes (Non-Bleeding Edge). For new brake pads and rotors, complete the Bed-in procedure.

All new brake pads and rotors should be put through a wear-in process called 'bed-in'. The bed-in procedure, which should be performed prior to your first ride, ensures the most consistent and powerful braking feel along with the quietest braking in most riding conditions. The bed-in process heats up the brake pads and rotors, which deposits an even layer of brake pad material (transfer layer) to the braking surface of the rotor. This transfer layer optimizes braking performance. To watch a video of the bed-in procedure, visit: SRAM: Disc Brake Bed-In Procedure.

1. Accelerate the bike to a moderate speed, then firmly apply the brakes until you are at walking speed. Repeat approximately twenty times.

2. Accelerate the bike to a faster speed, then very firmly apply the brakes until you are at walking speed. Repeat approximately ten times.

3. Allow the brakes to cool prior to any additional riding.

4. After the bed-in procedure has been performed, the caliper may need to be re-centered.

If your brakes exhibit excessive lever throw or spongy feel, perform the following steps before bleeding the system:

1. Clamp the bicycle into a bicycle work stand.

2. Remove the wheel from the affected caliper.

3. Remove the brake pads. Measure the brake pads for wear. If the pads measure less than the minimum thickness, replace the pads.

4. Re-install the pad retainer bolt.

5a. For road brakes: Install the Piston Massage Spacer, Ultimate Piston Press, or the thicker side of the appropriate pad spacer through the caliper between all pistons.

5b. For MTB brakes: Install the Piston Massage Spacer, Ultimate Piston Press, or two 1.85 mm rotors through the caliper between all pistons.

6. Squeeze the brake lever several times until the pistons have advanced and contact the pad spacer. One piston may move faster than the other; that is okay. Continue to squeeze the lever until the pistons touch the spacer.

7. Remove the pad spacer, massage spacer, or piston press.

8. Use a plastic tire lever to push the pistons back into the caliper bores.

9. Repeat steps 4-7 until the pistons move freely.

10. Remove the spacer and pad retainer bolt from the caliper and reinstall the brake pads.

11. Install the thinner side of a pad spacer between the brake pads.

12. Squeeze the brake lever lightly 5 times (approximately 4 lbs.) until the pads contact the spacer. Remove the spacer.

13. Install the wheel.

14. Loosen the caliper mounting bolts.

15. Lightly squeeze (approximately 4 lbs.) the brake lever several times to position the brake pads to the proper distance from the rotor.

16. Center the caliper on the rotor, and tighten the caliper mounting bolts to the torque specified in the appropriate user manual.

17. Spin the wheel and check the brake function. The pistons should move freely and there should not be excessive brake lever throw.

If your levers have excessive brake lever throw, it may be the result of the caliper pistons advancing only minimally as the pads wear, sometimes from light use, such as dragging the brakes frequently or not braking hard enough to advance the pistons.

You can advance the pistons by performing the following steps:

1. Adjust the lever reach all the way out. Count the number of clicks or note the reach measurement beforehand.

2. Pull hard on the lever 5 times. You may use two fingers if needed, but you do not need to pull the lever all the way to the handlebar.

3. Adjust the reach to the starting position measured in step 1.