Shimano XTR Service Instructions Manual

■ Installation of the calipers (BR-M985) and securing the hose.

•Remove the spacer for bleeding (yellow), and then set the wheel which has the rotor onto the
frame.

•Install the brake pads.

■ Installation of the rotor
(SM-RT98)

SM-RT98L (203mm)
SM-RT98M (180mm)
SM-RT98S (160mm)
SM-RT98SS (140mm)

* The RT98SS (140 mm) rotor is

for rear use onl y.

The following tools are needed to assemble this product.

Usage location

Rotor fixing lock ring

Brake lever fixing bolt

Caliper fixing bolt

Brake pad fixing shaft

Brake lever bleed screw

Cable supporter

Brake hose fixing bolt

Bleed nipple

Bleeding

TL-LR15

Allen key 4 mm

Allen key 4 mm

Adapter (post type) fixing bolt Allen key 4 mm

Flat-tipped screwdriver

Allen key 2.5 mm

Phillips screwdriver #2

8 mm wrench / Allen key 3 mm, 4 mm

7 mm socket wrench

Caliper bleed screw (option)

Bleeding adapter (option)

Allen key 3 mm

TL-BR25

SM-DISC, Syringe

Tool

Tightening torque:

40 - 50 N·m {350 - 435 in. lbs.}

Tec h n ic a l Se r v i ce I n st r u ct i o ns SI-8J70A-005

Disc Brake System

Caliper

Brake Lever

Rotor

Hose

Cable Supporter

BR-M985

BL-M985 / BL-M988

SM-RT98

SM-BH90-SB

SM-HANG

Mineral Oil

Brake pad unit Without fins With fins

Resin Pads

Metal Pads

SM-DB-OIL

G01A

G03Ti

F01A

F03C

In order to realize the best performance, we recommend that the following
combination be used.

■ Installation of the hose

■ Installation of the brake lever (BL-M985/M988)

Secure the brake lever as shown in the illustration. (Check
that the brake lever does not interfere with the shifting lever
during operation. Refer to the Service Instructions for the
shifting lever also.Some types might require the shifting
lever to be installed first, due to the position of the shifting
lever fixing bolts.)

When installing the components to carbon frame/handle bar
surfaces, verify with the manufacturer of the carbon
frame/parts for their recommendation on tightening torque in
order to prevent over tightening that can cause damage to
the carbon material and/or under tightening that can cause
lack of fixing strength for the components.

Brake lever Tightening torque:

6 - 8 N·m {53 - 69 in. lbs.}

If bolt 1 tries to loosen (turn in the counterclockwise direction), force is
applied via the wire to turn bolt 2 in the tightening direction (clockwise).
However, bolt 2cannot turn any further in the tightening direction.
Accordingly, this prevents bolt 1 from turning in the loosening direction
because it is also connected via the wire.
If either one of the bolts tries to loosen, this causes a force to be applied
to the other bolt to turn it in the tightening direction. In other words, this
system prevents the bolts from loosening.

Wind a wire around the fixing
bolt between the adapter and
the frame as shown in the
illustration.

Brake pads

Bolt 1

Bolt 2

Spacer for bleeding

Wire

Bolt

Tightening torque:

0.2 - 0.4 N·m {1.8 - 3.5 in. lbs.}

Secure the two bolts with a length of wire as shown
in the illustration in order to prevent the bolts from
coming loose.

Rotor fixing
lock ring

TL-LR15

For C-sh aped gui des and the u sual
type of cable stoppers, use the
special Shimano cable supporter
(sold separately) to secure as
shown in the illustration.

Operate the brake lever several times and check whether the brakes operate normally or
not. Also check that there are no oil leaks visible.

Tightening torque:

0.3 - 0.5 N·m {2.7 - 4.4 in. lbs.}

< C-shaped guide > < Usual type of cable stopper >

■ Brake pad replacement

Maintenance

Note: The M985 brake system is designed so that as the brake pads become worn,

the pistons gradually move outward to automatically adjust the clearance between
the rotor and the brake pads. Therefore, you need to push the pistons back to
their original positions when replacing the brake pads.

If oil adheres to the brake pads after oil is added, or if
the brake pads are worn down to a thickness of 0.5 mm,
or if the brake pad presser springs are interfering with
the rotor, replace the brake pads.

1. Remove the wheel from the frame, and remove the

brake pads as shown in the illustration.

2. Clean the pistons and surrounding area.

3. Use a flat-shaped tool to push the pistons straight

back in as far as they will go, while being careful not
to twist the pistons. Do not push the pistons with a
sharp tool. The pistons may become damaged.

4. Install the new brake pads, and then install

the pad spacers (red). Make sure that you
do not forget to install the snap rings at
this time also.

5. Depress the brake lever several times to check that the operation becomes stiff.

6. Remove the pad spacers, install the wheel, and then check that there is no interference

between the rotor and the caliper. If they are touching, adjust while referring to
"Installation of the caliper".

■ Adjustment when the pistons are not operating correctly

The caliper mechanism includes two pistons. If these pistons do not operate properly or if
they protrude unevenly, or if the brake pads remain in contact with the rotor, adjust the
pistons by the following procedure.

1. Remove the wheel and the brake pads. Clean the pistons and surrounding area.

2. Use a flat-shaped tool to push the pistons straight back in as far as they will go, while

being careful not to twist the pistons. Do not push the pistons with a sharp tool. The
pistons may become damaged.

3. Install the brake pads and the pad spacers (red).

4. Depress the brake lever as far as it will go, and then operate it several more times so

that the two pistons all move to their initial positions.

5. Remove the pad spacer, install the wheel, and then check that there is no interference

between the rotor and the brake pads. If they are touching, loosen the installation bolts
and adjust so that they are no longer touching.

■ Mineral oil replacement

It is recommended that you replace the oil inside the reservoir tank if it becomes
severely discolored.

Attach a tube with a bag to the bleed nipple, and then open the bleed nipple and
drain out the oil.You can operate the brake lever at this time to help the oil to
drain out. After draining the fluid, pour in fresh brake fluid while referring to
"Adding the mineral oil and bleeding air". Use only genuine Shimano mineral oil.
Dispose of the waste oil according to proper countr y and/or state disposal
regulations.

The bleed nipple of the BR-M985 can be replaced with the included caliper
bleed screw in order to reduce wei ght. If using the calipe r bleed screw, it will be
necessary to use the TL-BR25 bleeding adapter and the SM-DISC (oil funnel
and oil stopper) when carrying out air bleeding operations.

■ Installation of the SL-M980-I and the BL-M985/M988

1. Use a 2 mm Allen key to open the clamp band

of the brake lever as shown in the illustration.

2. Insert the hook of the shifting lever bracket

into the hole in the brake lever bracket, and
then provisionally tighten the special nut and
special bolt to install it to the handlebar.

3. Use a 4 mm Allen key to secure the

shifting lever to the brake lever.

Refer to the "Adding the mineral oil and bleeding air" and "Adding
the mineral oil and bleeding air (when using the caliper bleed
screw)" Service Instructions in conjunction with these Service
Instructions.

Pad spacer (red )

Snap ring

Refer to the Service Instructions for the SM-BH90-SB brake hose (SI-8JA0A) for details on
installing the hose.
Do not let the hose become twisted when installing. Make sure that the calipers and levers are in
the positions shown in the illustrations.

Pad with fins

The pads with fins have fins
at the front and back, so
install them as shown in the
illustration.

Set the pad presser spring as
shown in the illustration.
(There are left (L) and right (R)
marks on the spring.)

Piston

Installation

■ Wheel spoke lacing

Check that the spokes have been laced as shown in the illustration.
A radial assembly cannot be used.

Lace the spokes as shown in Figure 1 below for the left side of the front wheel
(the side where the rotor is installed), and the left and right sides of the rear
wheel, and as shown in Figure 2 below for the r ight side of the front wheel.

< Front >

< Front >

< Rear >

Tightening torque:

6 - 8 N·m {53 - 69 in. lbs.}

Tightening torque:

6 - 8 N·m {53 - 69 in. lbs.}

Caliper

Rotor

Adapter

Caliper fixing
bolts

Caliper fixing
bolts

Adapter
fixing bolts

Adapter
fixing bolts

● International standard mounting type ● Post mounting type

Provisionally install the caliper to the
frame (so that the caliper can move
sideways), depress the brake lever
so that the rotor is being clamped by
the pads, and then tighten the caliper
fixing bolts.

For international-standard mounts, attach adapters to calipers for post-type mounts.
(Separate front and rear adapters are available.)

1. First install the adapter, and then provisionally secure the calipers to the frame. (The calipers

should be able to move sideways.)

2. Depress the brake lever so that the rotor is being clamped by the pads, and then tighten the

caliper fixing bolts.

Pad presser spring

Snap ring

For post type

Free stro ke
adjustment screw

Rotor

Pad

Contact

Pad contact point

■ Free stroke adjustment

When the free stroke adjustment screw is loosened, the free stroke of the
brake lever will increase, so that you can adjust it to the desired setting.

Reach
adjustment bolt

Reach adjustment bolt

■ Reach adjustment

Tighten the adjust bolt (clockwise) to
increase the stroke, and loosen it
(counterclockwise) to decrease the
stroke.

Using a 2 mm Allen key, tighten
the adjust bolt (clockwise) to
increase the stroke, and loosen it
(counterclockwise) to decrease the
stroke.

< BL-M988 >

< BL-M988 > < BL-M985 >

Tightening torque:

0.2 - 0.4 N·m {1.8 - 3.5 in. lbs.}

Note:

Do not install the nut upside-down.
If it is installed upside-down, it will not be
possible to secure the brake lever to the
handlebars, and damage may occur.

Hook

Push

Clamp band

Bolt (M5 x 12.5 mm)

Nut

1

1

2

2

Tightening torque:
3 N·m {26 in. lbs.}

4. Use a 4 mm Allen key to secure the clamp

band of the brake lever.

Tightening torque:

6 - 8 N·m {53 - 69 in. lbs.}

General Safety Information

WARNING

•The 203 mm and 180 mm rotors provide a higher braking force than the 160 mm rotors.Make
sure that you have a complete feel for the braking characteristics before using the brakes.

•Please use extra caution to keep your fingers away from the rotating disc
brake rotor during installing or servicing the wheel. The rotor is shar p enough
to inflict severe injury to your fingers if caught within the openings of moving
rotor.

•The calipers and rotor will become hot when the brakes are operated, so do not touch them
while riding or immediately after dismounting from the bicycle, otherwise you may get burned.
Check that the brake components have cooled down sufficiently before attempting to adjust the
brakes.

•The required braking distance will be longer during wet weather.
Reduce your speed and apply the brakes early and gently.

•If the road surface is wet, the tires will skid more easily.If the tires skid, you may fall off the
bicycle.To avoid this, reduce your speed and apply the brakes ear ly and gently.

•Always make sure that the front and rear brakes are working correctly before you ride the
bicycle.

•If the rotor is cracked or warped, be sure to replace it with a new rotor.

•If the rotor becomes worn down to a thickness of 1.5 mm or so that the aluminum surface
becomes visible, be sure to replace the rotor with a new one.

•Be careful not to allow any oil or grease to get onto the rotor and brake pads, otherwise the
brakes may not work correctly.

•If any oil or grease do get on the pads, be sure to replace them with new
pads.If any oil or grease gets on the rotor, you should clean the rotor. If this
is not done, the brakes may not work correctly.

•Before riding the bicycle, check that the thickness of each pad is 0.5 mm or
more.

•Vapor lock may occur if the brakes are applied continuously.To relieve this
condition, momentarily release the lever.

•Use only genuine Shimano mineral oil.If other types of oil are used, it may cause problems
with brake operation, and cause the system to be unuseable.

•Be sure to use only oil from a freshly-opened container, and do not re-use oil which has been
drained from the bleed nipple. Old oil or already-used oil may contain water which could cause
vapor lock in the brake syste m.

•Be careful not to let water or air bubbles get into the brake system, otherwise vapor locks may
occur.Be par ticularly careful when removing the bleed screws.

•If cutting the brake hose in order to adjust the length of the hose, or when changing over the
brake hose from left to right or vice versa, be sure to bleed the air from the hose by carrying
out steps (4), (8) to (12) given in “Adding mineral oil and bleeding air” in the Service
Instructions.

•When turning the bicycle upside down or on its side, the brake system may have some air
bubbles insid e the rese rvoir tank which are still there when the bleed screws are repla ced, or
which accumulate in various parts of the brake system when it is used for long periods. The
M985 disc brake system is not designed to be tur ned upside down. If the bicycle is turned
upside down or on its side, the air bubbles inside the reser voir tank may move in the direction
of the calipers. If the bicycle is ridden in this condition, there is the danger that the brakes may
not operate and a serious accident could occur. If the bicycle has been turned upside down or
on its side, be sure to operate the brake lever a few times to check that the brakes operate
normally before riding the bicycle. If the brakes do not operate normally, adjust them by the
following procedu re.

•If fluid leaks occur, immediately stop using the brakes and carry out the appropriate repairs.If
you continue riding th e bicycle while fluid is leakin g, there i s the dange r that the brakes may
suddenly stop working.

•If the quick release lever is on the same side as the rotor, there is the danger that it may
interfere with the rotor, so check that it does not interfere.

•It is important to completely understand the operation of your bicycle's brake system.Improper
use of your bicycle's brake system may result in a loss of control or an accident, which could
lead to severe injury.Because each bicycle may handle differently, be sure to learn the proper
braking technique (including brake lever pressure and bicycle control characteristics) and
operation of your bicycle. This can be done by consulting your professional bicycle dealer and
the bicycle's owners manual, and by practicing your riding and braking technique.

•If the front brake is applied too strongly, the wheel may lock and the bicycle may fall forward,
and serious injury may result.

•Shimano disc brake systems are not compatible with tandem bicycles.Because tandem
bicycles have a high overall weight, the load on the brake system increases dur ing brake
operation. If hydraulic disc brakes are used with tandem bicycles, the oil temperature will
become too high and vapor locks or ruptures in the brake hoses may occur, and this will cause
the brakes to fail.

• Obtain and read the service instructions carefully prior to installing the parts. Loose, worn
or damaged parts may cause the bicycle to fall over and serious injury may occur as a result.
We stron gly reco mmend o nly usin g genui ne Shima no repl acement parts.

•Read these Technical Service Instructions carefully, and keep them in a safe place for later
reference.

•G01A/F01A brake pads are designed to reduce the amount of noise which is generated
between the pads and the rotor when the brakes are operated.A longer running-in period is
required for this type of pad compared to G03Ti/F03C pads.

■

Handling the mineral oil

•Use safety glasses when handling, and avoid contact with eyes.Contact with eyes may result in
irritation.
In the event of eye contact, flush with fresh water and seek medical assistance immediately.

•Use gloves when handling.Contact with skin may cause a rash and discomfort.
In the event of skin contact, wash well with soap and water.

•Inhalation of oil mist or vapors may cause nausea.Cover nose and mouth with a respirator type
mask and use in a well ventilated area.
If mist or vapor is inhaled, go immediately to an area with fresh air. Cover up with a blanket.
Stay warm and stable and seek professional medical advice.

•Do not drink.May cause vomiting or diarrhea.

CAUTION

Vapor l ock is a ph eno men on in wh ich th e o il in sid e t he br ake sy ste m b eco mes h eat ed,
which causes any water or air bubbles inside the brake system to expand. This can then
result in a sudden increase in the brake lever stroke.

< If brake operation is sluggish when the lever is depressed >

Gently depress the brake lever several times and wait for the bubbles to return to the
reservoir tank. It is recommended that you then remove the bleed screws and fill the
reservoir tank with mineral oil until no air bubbles remain.
If the brakes still operate sluggishly, bleed the air from the brake system. (Refer to "Adding
the mineral oil and bleeding air".)

•Keep out of reach of children.

•Do not cut, heat, weld or pressurize the oil container, as this may cause
explosion or fir e.

•Disposal of Used Oil :Follow local county and/or state codes for disposal.Use

care when preparing oil for disposal.

•Directions :Keep the container sealed to prevent foreign objects and moisture

from getting inside, and store it in a cool, dark area away from direct
sunlight or heat.

■ Burn-in period

•Disc brakes have a burn-in period, and the braking force will gradually increase
as the burn-in period progresses. Make sure that you are aware of any such
increases in braking force when using the brakes during the burn-in period.The
same thing will happen when the brake pads or rotor are replaced.

■ When cleaning with a compressor

•If disassembling the caliper body to clean the internal parts using a compressor,
note that moisture from the compressed air may remain on the caliper
components.Let the caliper components dry sufficiently before reassembling the
calipers.

Note

•The 203 mm and 180 mm rotors have a larger diameter than the 160 mm and
140 mm rotors for cross-country bicycles, and so the flexing of these rotors is
greater. As a result, they will interfere with the brake pads.

•If the brake caliper mounting boss and the dropout are not parallel, the rotor and
caliper may touch.

•When the bicycle wheel has been removed, it is recommended that pad spacers
should be installed. The pad spacers will prevent the piston from coming out if
the brake lever is depressed while the wheel is removed.

•If the brake lever is depressed without the pad spacers installed, the pistons will
protrude further than is normal. Use a flat-tipped screwdriver or similar tool to
push back the brake pads, while being careful not to damage the surfaces of the
brake pads.(If the brake pads are not installed, use a flat-shaped tool to push
the pistons straight back in, while being careful not to damage them.)
If it is difficult to push the brake pads or pistons back, remove the bleed screws
and then try again. (Note that some oil may overflow from the reser voir tank at
this time.)

• Use isopropyl alcohol, soapy water or a dry cloth when carr ying out cleaning
and maintenance of the brake system. Do not use commercially-available brake
cleansers or silencing agents, as they can cause damage to parts such as
seals.

•Do not remove the pistons when disassembling the calipers.

•Parts are not guaranteed against natural wear or deterioration resulting from
normal use.

•For maximum performance we highly recommend Shimano lubricants and
maintenance products.

SI-8J70A-005-00

Rotating
direction of
wheel

Front left Rear left Rear right Front right

Fig. 2Fig. 1

Wire

One Holland, Irvine, California 92618, U.S.A. Phone: [phone]

Industrieweg 24, 8071 CT Nunspeet, The Netherlands Phone: [phone]

3-77 Oimatsu-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 590-8577, Japan

* Service Instructions in further languages are available at :

http://techdocs.shimano.com

Please note:specifications are subject to change for improvement without notice. (English)
©Nov.2011 by Shimano Inc.XBC SZK

This service instruction explains how to use and maintain the Shimano bicycle parts
which have been used on your new bicycle.
For any questions regarding your bicycle or other matters which are not related to
Shimano parts, please contact the place of purchase or the bicycle manufacturer.

At brake lever end At caliper end

Hose

Banjo

O-rings

Allen key 3 mm
Allen key 4 mm

Connecting bolt

Olive

8 mm wrench

Brake pads

< For right lever >

BL-M985 / M988 BR-M985

BR-M985 BL-M985 / M988

< For left lever >

Tightening torque:

5 - 7 N·m {44 - 60 in. lbs.}

Tightening torque

Allen key 3 mm : 5 - 7 N·m {44 - 60 in. lbs.}
Allen key 4 mm : 8 - 10 N·m {69 - 87 in. lbs.}

4. Set a 7 mm socket wrench in place as shown in the

illustration, and then attach the bag to the tube.
Connect the tube to the bleed nipple and then
loosen the bleed nipple. After a little while, the oil
and air will flow naturally from the bleed nipple into
the tube. In this way it will be possible to easily
extract the gre ater pa rt of the air remain ing ins ide
the brake system. It may help to shake the hose
gently or to tap the reservoir tank or caliper gently
with a screwdriver or move the position of the
caliper at this time.

1. Set the brake lever so that it is in the riding position at a 45 degree angle to

the ground, and then remove the upper bleed screw and the O-ring and insert
the oil funnel. Do not insert the oil stopper at this time.

Tec h n i ca l S er v i ce I n st r u c ti o n s SI-0113A-001

Adding mineral oil and

bleeding air

When carrying out the air bleeding operation for the
BR-M985, you will need the SM-DISC (oil funnel and oil
stopper).

■ When using the bleed screw

■ When using the bleed nipple

<Replace the bleed nipple with the bleed screw>

Bleed screw

O-ring

Oil funnel

1. Set the brake lever so that it is in the riding position at a 45 degree angle to

the ground, and then remove the upper bleed screw and the O-ring and insert
the oil funnel. Do not insert the oil stopper at this time.

Bleed screw

O-ring

Oil funnel

2. Set a 7 mm socket wrench in place,

fill the syringe with oil, connect a
tube to the bleed nipple, and then
loosen the bleed nipple by 1/8 of a
turn to open it. Push the plunger of
the syringe to add oil. The oil will
start coming out from the oil funnel.
Continue adding oil until there are
no more air bubbles mixed in with
the oil that is coming out.

3. Once there are no more air bubbles mixed in with the oil, temporarily close

the bleed nipple.

Do not continually squeeze and release the
lever at this point.

If this is not observed, air bubbles may remain mixed
in with the oil inside the caliper, and it will take longer
to bleed the air. (If the lever is continually squeezed
and released, drain out all of the oil and then add oil
again.)

Bag

5. The level of liquid inside the funnel will drop at this time, so keep filling the funnel with oil to

maintain the level of liquid so that air is not drawn in (air does not get inside).

Remove the brake calipers from the frame.
Hold the calipers so that the bleed nipple is facing upward and
then remove the bleed nipple and install the bleed screw. At this
time, tighten the bleed screw until oil flows out to make sure that
there are no air bubbles remaining inside the calipers. After this,
wipe away any oil which has flowed out.

SI-0113A-001-00

7. With the brake lever depressed, open and close the bleed nipple in

rapid succession (for approximately 0.5 seconds each time) to
release any air bubbles which may be in the calipers. Repeat this
procedure about 2 to 3 times. Then tighten
the bleed nipple again.

6. Once air bubbles stop coming out from the bleed nipple, temporarily

tighten the bleed nipple.

Bleed nipple

Bleed screw

Tightening torque:

4 - 6 N·m {35 - 53 in. lbs.}

Tightening torque:

4 - 6 N·m {35 - 53 in. lbs.}

One Holland, Irvine, California 92618, U.S.A. Phone: [phone]

Industrieweg 24, 8071 CT Nunspeet, The Netherlands Phone: [phone]

3-77 Oimatsu-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 590-8577, Japan

* Service Instructions in fur ther languages are available at : http://techdocs.shimano.com

Please note: specifications are subject to change for improvement without notice. (English)
©May 2010 by Shimano Inc. XBC SZK Printed in Japan.

9. Set the lever unit to the horizontal position as shown in the

illustration and tilt it in the direction of

1 by 30 degre es, and

then carry out step 8 to check that there is no air remaining.
Next, tilt the lever unit 30 degrees in the direction of 2, and
carry out step 8 again to check that there is no air remaining.
If any air bubbles appear, repeat the above procedure until
they stop appearing.

11. Set the bleeding adapter so that it is facing upward and

then remove it, and then insert and tighten the bleed
screw. At this time, tighten the bleed screw until oil flows
out to make sure that there are no air bubbles remaining
inside the calipers.

Bleed screwBleeding adapter

Tightening torque:

4 - 6 N·m {35 - 53 in. lbs.}

11. Remove the oil funnel while it is still being plugged with

the oil stopper, and then attach the O-ring to the bleed
screw and tighten it until oil flows out to make sure that
there are no air bubbles remaining inside the reser voir
tank.
* Do not operate the brake lever at this time, otherwise

air may get inside the cylinder.

12. Wipe away any oil which has flowed out.

Tightening torque:

0.3 - 0.5 N·m {2.7 - 4.4 in. lbs.}

2. Remove the bleed screw of the bleed unit from the calipers, and install the

bleeding a dapter. Fill the syring e with oil and conne ct a tube to the ble eding
adapter, and then loosen the bleeding adapter by 1/8 of a turn to open it.
Push the plunger of the syringe to add oil. The oil will start coming out from
the oil funnel. Continue adding oil until there are no more air bubbles mixed in
with the oil that is coming out.

3. Once there are no more air bubbles mixed in with the oil, temporarily close

the bleeding adapter.

Do not continually squeeze and release the
lever at this point.

If this is not observed, air bubbles may remain mixed
in with the oil inside the caliper, and it will take longer
to bleed the air. (If the lever is continually squeezed
and released, drain out all of the oil and then add oil
again.)

5. The level of liquid inside the funnel will drop at this time, so keep filling the

funnel with oil to maintain the level of liquid so that air is not drawn in (air
does not get inside).

Bleeding adapter

Bleed screw

4. Attach a bag to the tube. Connect the tube to the

bleeding a dapter, and then loosen the bleedin g
adapter. After a little while, the oil and air bubbles
will flow naturally from the bleeding adapter into the
tube. In this way it will be possible to easily extract
the greater part of the air bubbles remaining inside
the brake system. It may help to shake the hose
gently or to tap the reservoir tank or calipers gently
with a screwdriver or move the position of the
calipers at this time.

Bag

7. With the brake lever depressed, open and close the bleeding

adapter in rapid succession (for approximately 0.5 seconds each
time) to release any air bubbles which may be in the calipers.
Repeat this procedure about 2 to 3 times.
Then tighten the bleeding adapter again.

6. Once air bubbles stop coming out from the

bleeding a dapter, tempor arily tight en the blee ding
adapter.

10. Plug the oil funnel with the oil stopper so that the side

with the O-ring attached is facing downward.

Oil stopper

O-ring

13. Wipe away any oil which has flowed out.

Lever operation

Loose Slightly stiff Stiff

8. If the brake lever is then operated, air bubbles in the system will rise up through the port into

the oil funnel. Once the bubbles stop appearing, depress the brake lever as far as it will go.
The normal condition is for the lever to be stiff at this point.

9. Set the lever unit to the horizontal position as shown in the

illustration and tilt it in the direction of 1 by 30 degrees, and
then carry out step 8 to check that there is no air remaining.
Next, tilt the lever unit 30 degrees in the direction of 2, and
carry out step 8 again to check that there is no air remaining.
If any air bubbles appear, repeat the above procedure until
they stop appearing.

10. Plug the oil funnel with the oil stopper so that the side

with the O-ring attached is facing downward.

Oil stopper

O-ring

O-ring

Lever operation

Loose Slightly stiff Stiff

8. If the brake lever is then operated, air bubbles in the system will rise up through the port into

the oil funnel. Once the bubbles stop appearing, depress the brake lever as far as it will go.
The normal condition is for the lever to be stiff at this point.

Hose

Calipers

With the spacer for bleeding
(yellow) still attached to the
calipers, place the bicycle into a
bicycle stand or similar as shown
in the illustration.

Note:

Carry out the steps within the
followin g range so tha t the e nd with
the bleed nipple is facing downward
as shown in the illustration. If the
steps are outside this range,
complete air bleeding may not be
possible.

Bleed nipple

Bleed nipple

Air

Air

Bleed nipple

12. Remove the oil funnel while it is still being plugged with

the oil stopper, and then attach the O-ring to the bleed
screw and tighten it until oil flows out to make sure that
there are no air bubbles remaining inside the reser voir
tank.
* Do not operate the brake lever at this time, otherwise

air may get inside the cylinder.

Tightening torque:

0.3 - 0.5 N·m {2.7 - 4.4 in. lbs.}

O-ring