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My XT rear brake has no bite.
I've bled it several times, changed the pads three times & cleaned the rotor with bike specific disc brake cleaner. It just makes a loud howl but has no bite.
Whats wrong with it?
Probably leaking at the piston seals. You can confirm this by sticking a bit of kitchen roll behind the pads and giving them a good squeeze. If within warranty (2 years), return for a replacement.
Sounds like the issue that a large amount of recent shimano brakes have with micro leaks from the calliper. As above try the kitchen towel thing and you’ll probably find a small leak. Hopefully you’re within warranty and you’ll get a new brake. If it were me I’d then sell it and get something different m. Anecdotally it seems like the 4 pot shimano brakes at xt level or the non series ‘Deore ish’ level 4 pots are having less issues if you particularly like shimano or need it to mount shimano gear shifters to.
I've had this with a rear brake recently went through a few pads till I replaced the caliper which basically sorted it, I'd replace the pad it would would work for a ride or so then get contaminted and repeat..... so as above suspect microleak, have had a few go like this, I still have spare pads, and have the bleed kit so have a misguided loyality.... I did think I was getting oil or fork spray on them but sadly it wasn't that.
I don't get on with SRAM brakes so maybe it's time to revisit Hope...
Thanks for the replies. I had a quick go at the tissue blotting checking but nothing so I've let it overnight with a cable tie holding the lever in.
Brakes were new 3.8.15 so well out of warranty.
I switched from Hopes to Shimano years ago for the same reason. One ride they had bite next ride nothing.
Wife's bike has XT M785 brakes & the front lever has started playing up. The lever is dead, it doesn't return back after being pulled.
You might be right about returning to Hope but just check on Merlin & a pair of XT is the same price as one brake in Hope.
Yeah, but the Hope brakes are fully serviceable including seals I think - so in the long term they’ll likely work out better value.
There are other brands to consider too - Sram Guide RE and Code R’s are both good without being devastatingly expensive, as are Magura MT5 / MT7’s.
Magura FTW in terms of actual braking functionality although riders liking superfirm levers with no pull won’t get on with them, there is definite progression and lever pull. Lever feel stays consistent though and still mineral oil if that matters to anyone...
Dickie I saw the Merlin prices on Shimano brakes too, makes it tempting as if you get 2-3 years out of them they’ve been good value...
The front brake lever on my wifes XT M785 brake doesn't return after its been pulled. The brake works but there's no travel in the lever just a couple of mm from off to on.
I saw the Merlin prices on Shimano brakes too, makes it tempting as if you get 2-3 years out of them they’ve been good value…
Yes, I'm coming to that conclusion - shame wifes not on M8000, I'd buy a pair for spares. In fact I'm tempted to buy two - upgrade hers & spares for us both & the third bike with M8000.
Or just buy some brakes that’ll last longer than 2 or 3 years even if they cost a little more? Less cost and agro in the medium term.