Hope Tech M4 Brake User Manual

Disc brake Installation
& Service Manual

Closed 2
Mini
M4

Hope Technology

UK Head Office and
Manufacturing

Hope Mill, Skipton Road
Barnoldswick
Lancashire
BB18 6EN
United Kingdom

Tel : + 44 (0)1282 851200
Fax : + 44 (0)1282 851201

Website : www.hopetech.com

USA Sales

Hope Technology Inc.
40234 Dutton Street
Cherry Valley, CA 92223

Tel : [phone]
1654
Toll Free : (+1) 800
303 6863
Fax: [phone]
4467

Documentation revisi on 2.0

Contents

1. Introduction .............................................................3

1.1. Instruction manual coverage.......................................... 3

1.2. Safety first..........................................................................3

1.3. System identification......................................................3

2. Installation...............................................................5

2.1. The bicycle wheel........................................................... 5

2.2. Attaching the disc rotor to the hub..................................5

2.3. Attaching the lever..........................................................6

2.4. Attaching the caliper....................................................... 6

2.5. Personal settings............................................................ 6

2.6. Break in period............................................................... 7

2.7. On the trail...................................................................... 7

3. Service....................................................................8

3.1. Regular maintenance..................................................... 8

3.2. Changing the brake pads............................................... 8

3.3. Bleeding the brake.........................................................9

3.4. Shortening or re-routing the hose.................................12

3.5. Hose change................................................................ 12

3.6. Caliper half change – piston removal........................... 12

3.7. Torque settings ............................................................13

4. Troubleshooting ....................................................14

5. Warranty................................................................16

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Hope Technology disc brake system. Please read the contents of this
service manual to fully acquaint yourself with the correct installation and safe operation of your
brake.

1.1. Instruction manual coverage

This manual covers the installation and servicing of the Closed 2, Mini and M4 hydraulic disc
brakes.

1.2. Safety first

This brake system must be fitted by a competent cycle mechanic using the correct tools. Incorrect
installation can result in brake failure that can cause serious personal injuries.

Your braking performance will improve in almost all riding conditions but care must be taken to ride
within your own ability. The stopping power of any bicycle is always limited by the traction of the
tyre on the ground so take the time to become familiar with your new brake and its braking
characteristics.

Before each ride always check the brake for proper function and the brake pads for wear and that
there is no system damage resulting in fluid leaks.

If you have any doubts or questions please contact your dealer or the appropriate Hope distributor
for your country.

1.3. System identification

There are three current brake designs; the Closed 2 using the Pro lever, the Mini and M4 both
using the Mini lever

The Closed 2 is a closed system, while the Mini and M4 are both open systems.
The following table shows examples of each caliper. The caliper profiles can vary depending on

the disc rotor size and bolt mounting pattern and the table shows common examples.

3

Caliper and Lever identification

The Closed 2 caliper

A caliper with 2 pistons.
The caliper has the word
HOPE machined into the
side.
Closed system.
The caliper must be used
with a closed system lever.
165mm front caliper shown.

The Pro lever

A two finger lever with a
silver pad adjustment
screw.

The Mini caliper

A caliper with 2 pistons.
The caliper has the word
HOPE machined into the
side.
Open system.
The caliper must be used
with a Mini lever.
165mm front caliper shown.

The M4 caliper

A caliper with 4 pistons.
The caliper has the word
HOPE machined onto the
side and M4 written next to
the caliper number.
Open system.
This caliper must be used
with a Mini lever.
185mm front caliper shown.

The Mini lever

A two finger lever with
automatic pad adjustment.

Under no circumstances should you use a Closed system caliper with an Mini lever (and vice
versa). A mismatched system will not work and result in brake failure.

4

2. Installation

The disc brake system is supplied fully assembled and bled, i.e. containing brake fluid.
The Cycle Dealer is responsible for supplying the caliper with the correct bolt mounting pattern to

fit your particular fork or frame. Some installations may require an additional mount bracket as
advised by your dealer.

In the first instance it is recommended that you install the brake as supplied without disconnecting
and routing the hose through frame guides (if present) or attempting to shorten the hose. Once you
have experienced the fully working brake you may decide at a later date to make some hose
routing or shortening modifications as described later in this manual.

2.1. The bicycle wheel

The wheel should be built by a skilled wheelbuilder using a 3 cross lacing pattern and correctly
tensioned. Your dealer will advise whether the hub in your wheel is compatible with this Hope disc
brake. There are two types of compatible hubs; splined Hope hubs that require a 5 bolt disc spider
(purchased separately) and International Standard 6 bolt hubs (made by Hope and other hub
manufacturers) where the disc rotor bolts directly to the hub.

2.2. Attaching the disc rotor to the hub

For Hope splined hubs fit the spider to the hub splines and ensure it is
squarely seated before securing it with the spider lockring. Hubs using a
spider require a disc rotor with a 5 bolt pattern. Attach the disc rotor to the
hub with the orientation of the rotor arms as shown in Fig 1(6 bolt disc
rotor shown).

It is recommended that a mild engineering adhesive often referred to as
‘threadlock’ is used on the bolt threads to prevent them unscrewing. Do not
use a permanent adhesive or this will prevent removing the disc rotor at a
later date.

Replace the wheel with the attached disc rotor in the forks (or frame)
making sure the wheel axle is sitting square in the dropouts and that the
wheel skewer is correctly tightened.

Figure 1

5