Shimano HDB Common Problems
Common cautions and advisories for hydraulic disc brakes
Common cautions and advisories for hydraulic disc brakes
Hydraulic Disc Brakes - Common Cautions and Advisories
• Wear proper PPE including gloves and safety glasses
• Only clean using isopropyl alcohol – do NOT use “brake
cleaner” products
• Re-check torque of all mounting bolts frequently
• Never re-use compression fittings (olives) or inserts (barbs)
• Never touch rotors or pads with bare hands
• Rotors and pads used with SHIMANO hydraulic disc brake
systems should be Genuine SHIMANO Parts
• Use ONLY SHIMANO Hydraulic Disc Brake Mineral Oil
When Should I Replace My Pads?
• There is .5mm or less of pad material remaining or the
pad backing begins to come to the surface
• Changing rotors
• The pad retaining spring protrudes above the pad
surface and contacts the rotor
• Pads become contaminated
• Pads become glazed
When Should I Replace My Rotors?
• Rotors measure less than 1.5mm thick at any point
on the braking track, or if the aluminum layer beneath
the steal shows through
• Rotors become cracked, warped, or bent
• Rotors become contaminated and cannot be cleaned with
isopropyl alcohol
• Rotors suffer overheating
• Changing pad materials
Burn-In (Bedding) Procedure
1. Find a safe space, then ride the bike at moderate speed and apply slow, steady pressure to one of the brakes
2. Before coming to a complete stop, release the brake
3. Repeat the process 15-20 times for each brake
4. Burn-In procedure should be repeated whenever new pads or rotors are installed
Pressure-Test Procedure (for checking calipers for leaks)
1. Remove wheel and brake pads
2. Clean, lube, and reset pistons using a piston reset tool or plastic tire lever
3. Thoroughly clean the caliper with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab, then allow to dry completely
4. Wrap the appropriate SHIMANO bleed block with paper towels and install in the caliper
5. Squeeze the brake lever to pressurize the system and use a zip-tie or toe-strap to hold the lever down
6. Leave sit overnight
7. Release the lever and remove the bleed block
8. Inspect the paper towel
9. Any small spots of wetness can indicate a leaking caliper
• Wear proper PPE including gloves and safety glasses
• Only clean using isopropyl alcohol – do NOT use “brake
cleaner” products
• Re-check torque of all mounting bolts frequently
• Never re-use compression fittings (olives) or inserts (barbs)
• Never touch rotors or pads with bare hands
• Rotors and pads used with SHIMANO hydraulic disc brake
systems should be Genuine SHIMANO Parts
• Use ONLY SHIMANO Hydraulic Disc Brake Mineral Oil
When Should I Replace My Pads?
• There is .5mm or less of pad material remaining or the
pad backing begins to come to the surface
• Changing rotors
• The pad retaining spring protrudes above the pad
surface and contacts the rotor
• Pads become contaminated
• Pads become glazed
When Should I Replace My Rotors?
• Rotors measure less than 1.5mm thick at any point
on the braking track, or if the aluminum layer beneath
the steal shows through
• Rotors become cracked, warped, or bent
• Rotors become contaminated and cannot be cleaned with
isopropyl alcohol
• Rotors suffer overheating
• Changing pad materials
Burn-In (Bedding) Procedure
1. Find a safe space, then ride the bike at moderate speed and apply slow, steady pressure to one of the brakes
2. Before coming to a complete stop, release the brake
3. Repeat the process 15-20 times for each brake
4. Burn-In procedure should be repeated whenever new pads or rotors are installed
Pressure-Test Procedure (for checking calipers for leaks)
1. Remove wheel and brake pads
2. Clean, lube, and reset pistons using a piston reset tool or plastic tire lever
3. Thoroughly clean the caliper with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab, then allow to dry completely
4. Wrap the appropriate SHIMANO bleed block with paper towels and install in the caliper
5. Squeeze the brake lever to pressurize the system and use a zip-tie or toe-strap to hold the lever down
6. Leave sit overnight
7. Release the lever and remove the bleed block
8. Inspect the paper towel
9. Any small spots of wetness can indicate a leaking caliper
