{"id":54093,"date":"2023-09-17T09:00:03","date_gmt":"2023-09-17T07:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=746644"},"modified":"2023-09-17T10:35:48","modified_gmt":"2023-09-17T08:35:48","slug":"how-to-bleed-sram-disc-brakes-step-by-step-guide-to-bleeding-sram-road-and-mtb-disc-brakes","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/how-to-bleed-sram-disc-brakes-step-by-step-guide-to-bleeding-sram-road-and-mtb-disc-brakes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to bleed SRAM disc brakes | Step-by-step guide to bleeding SRAM road and MTB disc brakes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tips and tricks to get the best performance from your SRAM brakes\u00a0 <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Sunday, 17 September 2023 at 07:00 AM<\/p>

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Hydraulic disc brake systems absorb air over time, affecting performance and lever feel. If your brakes are feeling spongy or lack power, this can be a sign they require bleeding.<\/p>\n

Brake bleeding is the process of replacing old brake fluid<\/a> while removing any air bubbles in the system.<\/p>\n

SRAM recommends bleeding its brakes annually or more frequently if you are riding aggressively and braking heavily.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll take you through the process of how to bleed SRAM road and mountain bike disc brakes.<\/p>\n

Unlike when bleeding Shimano disc brakes<\/a>, where you can sometimes burp-bleed them as a half-way house measure, this generally isn\u2019t possible on SRAM. Therefore, it is generally best to perform a full bleed.<\/p>\n

How to bleed SRAM disc brakes<\/h2>\n
\"Oscar\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Bleeding is the act of replacing the fluid and removing any air that\u2019s in the system.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This guide follows SRAM\u2019s official method for bleeding road hydraulic disc brakes using Bleeding Edge and non-Bleeding Edge technology.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be demonstrating using a SRAM Red eTap AXS<\/a> and a SRAM Rival eTap AXS<\/a> brake.<\/p>\n

The process is identical for all other SRAM road, gravel and mountain bike disc brakes<\/a>, except SRAM\u2019s mineral-oil based DB8 brakes.<\/p>\n

\"Juice\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
SRAM brakes use DOT 4\/5.1 fluid.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

With the exception of the aforementioned DB8s, SRAM brakes use DOT fluid, specifically the 4 or 5.1 variants, with the latter being the pinnacle due to its higher boiling point. As a result, we\u2019d always recommend using DOT 5.1 fluid.<\/p>\n

Unlike mineral oil, which is unregulated, DOT 4\/5.1 is regulated, and is used in the automotive industry.<\/p>\n

DOT fluid is corrosive \u2013\u00a0it can irritate your eyes or skin and cause damage to the paint or the finish of the components on your bike. Take care when handling it and have plenty of rags and isopropyl alcohol on hand to clean any spills.<\/p>\n

Do not use mineral oil or a bleed kit that was used previously with a different fluid. You also must not use DOT 3 or DOT 5 fluid because they are not compatible. Using the wrong fluid will destroy the seals and lead to brake failure.<\/p>\n

\"SRAM\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
A Bleeding Edge port is identifiable by its rubber plug.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Before beginning the procedure, you\u2019ll need to identify the bleed port type your caliper uses.<\/p>\n

Calipers with a rubber bleed port cover denote it is a SRAM Bleeding Edge type, whereas calipers with a T10 torx bleed port screw use a threaded fitting.<\/p>\n

SRAM Bleeding Edge represented a change to SRAM\u2019s caliper bleed port standard and the threaded fittings won\u2019t fit. The newer standard makes bleeding simpler because there is a reduced chance of fluid leaking.<\/p>\n

Tools required<\/h3>\n
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\"Tools\n<\/picture><\/div>
It\u2019s worth having everything in easy reach while you\u2019re bleeding brakes.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
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\"Park\n<\/picture><\/div>
We\u2019re using a Park Tool BKD-1.2 set which works across other models of brake that use DOT fluid. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
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\"Park\n<\/picture><\/div>
The kit comes with an array of fittings. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>