Bleeding your SRAM T brakes is a crucial maintenance task for any mountain biker. Over time, air can accumulate in the hydraulic system, leading to spongy levers and reduced braking power. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process on how to bleed SRAM T brakes, ensuring optimal performance and safety on the trails. This method applies to SRAM brakes utilizing their Bleeding Edge technology, found on most Code, Guide, and Level models since 2017.
Why is bleeding your brakes so important? Just like changing the oil in your car, brake fluid degrades over time due to heat cycles. SRAM recommends bleeding your brakes at least once a year, or more frequently if you ride aggressively and rely heavily on your brakes. Bleeding removes old fluid, eliminates air bubbles, and keeps your brakes working efficiently.
Tools Required for SRAM T Brake Bleeding
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools. A SRAM Pro Bleed Kit is highly recommended, as it includes high-quality syringes and all the necessary fittings. Alternatively, a standard SRAM bleed kit will also work. Both kits include SRAM’s DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
- Hex Wrenches: 2.5mm, 4mm
- Hex Bit Sockets: 2.5mm, 4mm
- Torx Wrenches: T8, T10
- Torque Wrench
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Clean Shop Rags
- Permanent Marker
- SRAM Bleed Kit
- Safety Glasses & Nitrile Gloves (recommended)
Step-by-Step SRAM T Brake Bleeding Guide
This guide focuses on bleeding the rear brake, but the process is identical for the front brake.
1. Remove the Wheel:
Begin by removing the wheel from your bike. Be careful to avoid contaminating the brake pads or rotor with brake fluid.
2. Remove Brake Pads:
Use needle-nose pliers to remove the e-clip securing the brake pads. Then, use a 2.5mm hex wrench to remove the pad retainer bolt. Pull the brake pads and pad spring up through the top of the caliper.
PRO TIP: If you’re not replacing your brake pads, mark each pad to indicate which side of the caliper it came from. This ensures proper alignment when reinstalling. This is also an excellent time to replace your pads if needed.
3. Insert Bleed Block:
Install the correct bleed block into the caliper. This fully retracts the pistons and prevents them from advancing during the bleeding process. Your SRAM bleed kit includes various bleed blocks designed specifically for Code, Guide, and Level brakes. If required, secure the bleed block with the pad retainer bolt using a 2.5mm hex wrench.
4. Prepare Syringes:
Thread the bleeding edge tool and lever bleed clamp assembly onto separate syringes. Fill the lever bleed syringe about 3/4 full with SRAM DOT 5.1 fluid. Fill the syringe with the bleeding edge tool with approximately 1/4 DOT fluid. Purge air from both syringes by holding them upright, drawing fluid into the syringe, and then carefully pushing the air out while covering the tip with a rag. Close both syringe clamps to prevent leaks.
5. Prepare Lever & Contact Point Adjustment:
For brakes with contact point adjustment, fully unwind the dial in the opposite direction of the arrow. Then, adjust the lever blade until it’s approximately 75-80mm from the center of the grip.
6. Install Lever Bleed Syringe:
Remove the bleed screw from the lever using a T10 Torx wrench. Wipe away any brake fluid that spills. Thread in the lever bleed syringe, ensuring the syringe clamp remains closed.
7. Prepare Caliper:
Remove the bleed plug from the caliper. Use a 4mm hex wrench to loosen the bleed port 1/4 turn, then gently retighten it. Push the bleeding edge tool and syringe into the bleed port until you hear a click. Open the bleeding edge syringe clamp and then turn the bleeding edge tool one complete rotation to open the system. Do not exceed two complete rotations.
8. Bleed the System:
Open the lever bleed syringe clamp. Hold both syringes vertically and gently push DOT fluid from the lever syringe down through the brake line and into the bleeding edge tool syringe. Stop before air enters the hose at the lever bleed syringe. The fluid will fill the syringe at the caliper on its own. Do not pull suction at the caliper at this time. This “wash” technique cycles fluid, pushing out old fluid and air bubbles.
9. Check Fluid Condition:
If the fluid coming out of the caliper is discolored or contaminated, close both syringe clamps. Close the bleeding edge tool clockwise, remove the caliper syringe, and then unthread the lever bleed syringe. Discard the old fluid and return to step 6 to continue flushing the system.
10. Continue Bleeding:
Hold both syringes upright and draw suction with the lever bleed syringe. This pulls fluid from the bleeding edge tool syringe through the caliper, brake line, and up to the brake lever. Stop before any air enters the syringe tube at the caliper. Repeat steps 8 and 10 until minimal air bubbles appear. Position the brake lever higher than the caliper to facilitate air rising and exiting the system.
11. Lever Bleed Only:
Turn the bleeding edge tool clockwise one full rotation to close the system. Pull the lever blade a few times and let it return naturally. Then, pull suction on the lever bleed syringe to create a vacuum. Compress and release the plunger to pressurize the system. Repeat this process until few air bubbles emerge. Finally, compress and release the plunger to equalize the system. Close the syringe clamp and remove the syringe from the brake lever. Use a T10 torx wrench to reinstall the bleed screw in to the brake lever. Wipe away any excess brake fluid on the brake lever. Using a T10 bit socket and torque wrench, tighten the bleed screw to 1.5-1.7 Nm (13-15 in lbs). Tighten the bleed screw snug but not too tight.
12. Remove Bleeding Edge Tool Syringe:
Remove the bleeding edge tool syringe without rotating it. Tighten the bleed port using a 4mm hex bit socket and torque wrench to 1.5-1.7 Nm (13-15 in lbs). Tighten the caliper bleed port with a 4mm hex wrench, but avoid over-tightening. Install the bleed plug.
13. Clean Brake Lever and Caliper:
Use a clean towel or rag to remove any brake fluid residue from the brake lever and caliper.
14. Install Brake Pads:
Remove the pad retainer pin with a 2.5mm hex wrench and remove the bleed block. Remove your gloves so that no brake fluid comes in contact with the brake pads. Reinstall the brake pads, remembering the original orientation of each pad. Install the pad retainer bolt and torque it to 1-1.2 Nm (9-10 in lbs). Install the e-clip onto the pad retainer bold.
15. Install Wheel and Center Brake Caliper:
Reinstall the wheel and axle correctly. Check if the brake rotor is centered in the caliper. If centered, squeeze the brake lever a few times to advance the pistons. If not, loosen the caliper bolts, squeeze the lever to center the caliper, and then tighten the bolts. Finally, adjust your brake lever blade and contact point settings to your preferences.
By following these steps, you’ll successfully bleed your SRAM T brakes, restoring optimal braking performance and ensuring a safer, more enjoyable ride.
