how to change shimano hydraulic brake hose | Passionhose

Changing the brake hose on your Shimano hydraulic brakes may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little know-how, it can be a straightforward process. Whether you're looking to replace a damaged hose or upgrade to a longer one for better performance, this guide will walk you through the steps to get your brakes back in top condition.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

The first step in changing your Shimano hydraulic brake hose is to gather all the necessary tools and materials. You will need a set of Allen keys, a sharp knife or hose cutter, a new brake hose, hydraulic brake fluid, and a bleed kit. Make sure you have everything on hand before you begin, as you won't want to be scrambling for tools halfway through the process.

Once you have everything you need, find a clean and well-lit workspace to work in. Lay out all your tools and materials, and familiarize yourself with the components of your brake system. It can be helpful to refer to your bike's manual or online resources for specific instructions on your model of Shimano brakes.

Remove the Old Hose

To begin, remove the wheel from your bike and disconnect the brake caliper from the hose. This can usually be done by loosening the bolt that holds the hose in place with an Allen key. Once the caliper is free, carefully remove the hose from the brake lever, taking care not to spill any hydraulic fluid.

Next, you will need to remove any fittings or adapters from the old hose. Use a wrench to carefully loosen and remove these components, being careful not to damage them in the process. Once the fittings are removed, you can pull the old hose out of the frame and discard it.

Install the New Hose

With the old hose removed, it's time to install the new one. Begin by threading the new hose through the frame of your bike, following the same path as the old hose. Make sure to leave enough slack in the hose to allow for movement of the handlebars and suspension.

Once the hose is routed through the frame, it's time to attach the fittings and adapters. Apply a small amount of hydraulic fluid to the threads of the fittings to ensure a tight seal, then carefully screw them onto the new hose. Use a wrench to tighten the fittings securely, being careful not to over-tighten them.

Once the fittings are in place, attach the hose to the brake lever and caliper. This is usually done by inserting the hose into the fitting and tightening the bolt with an Allen key. Make sure the hose is securely attached to both the lever and caliper before moving on to the next step.

Bleed the Brakes

With the new hose installed, it's important to bleed the brakes to remove any air bubbles from the system. This is essential for maintaining the performance and feel of your hydraulic brakes. Start by filling the bleed kit with hydraulic fluid and attaching it to the brake lever.

Follow the instructions in your bike's manual or the instructions that came with your bleed kit to bleed the brakes properly. This usually involves opening and closing the bleed valves on the caliper and lever while pumping the brake lever to force out any air bubbles. Repeat this process until no more bubbles are visible in the fluid.

Once the brakes are properly bled, check for any leaks or spongy feel in the brake lever. If everything looks and feels normal, you're ready to reattach the wheel and test out your newly installed brake hose.

Test Your Brakes

With the new hose installed and the brakes bled, it's time to test your brakes to ensure they are functioning properly. Reattach the wheel to your bike and squeeze the brake lever to check for any signs of sponginess or lack of power.

Take your bike for a test ride in a safe area to ensure the brakes are working as expected. Pay attention to the feel of the brakes and make any necessary adjustments to the lever reach or pad alignment to optimize your braking performance.

In conclusion, changing the brake hose on your Shimano hydraulic brakes is a manageable task with the right tools and a little know-how. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your brakes in top condition and ensure optimal performance on every ride. If you're unsure about any step in the process, don't hesitate to consult with a professional bike mechanic for assistance. Happy riding!