How to Bleed Your Hope Hydraulic Disc Brakes: A Step by Step Guide

How to Bleed Your Hope Hydraulic Disc Brakes: A Step by Step Guide

Hope hydraulic disc brakes are renowned for their power, durability, and reliability. To ensure they perform at their best, regular maintenance is necessary, and one of the most important tasks is bleeding the brakes. This is particularly essential when air bubbles become trapped in the brake lines, causing a soft or unresponsive brake lever.

This overview covers Hope Race, Race EVO, Tech 3, Tech EVO and Tech 4 systems that specify DOT 4 or DOT 5.1. Use the exact model’s current Hope bleed instructions; other Hope systems, including mineral oil RX variants, are not covered by this fluid advice.

Tools You'll Need:

Preparation Before Bleeding

  1. Protect your bike: Wrap a tissue or rag around the master cylinder of your Hope brake system to prevent any brake fluid spillage, which could damage your bike’s paint. Remove the wheel and riding pads, then fit the correct Hope bleed block before bleeding. Keep fluid away from pads and rotors.
  2. Remove the existing lid: Detach the diaphragm from the brake’s master cylinder.
  3. Attach the bleed kit: Install the compatible bleed kit lid for your Hope brake model (Race/Race EVO, Tech 3, Tech EVO, or Tech 4) and attach the funnel with the plug inserted.
  4. Fill the funnel: Add DOT 5.1 brake fluid into the funnel from a clean container (DOT 4 is also acceptable for Hope brakes).
  5. Attach the bleed nipple adapter: Place it on the bleed nipple of the brake caliper and route the clear pipe to a waste container.

Bleeding Procedure

  1. Remove the plug: Allow brake fluid to flow into the master cylinder reservoir of your Hope brake system.
  2. Pull the brake lever: Pull the lever until you feel resistance or it goes all the way to the handlebar.
  3. Open the bleed nipple: While holding the brake lever, open the bleed nipple slightly to release any air or fluid. Close the nipple after fluid or air escapes and then release the lever.
  4. Repeat the steps: Continue steps 2 and 3 until the brake fluid flowing through the waste pipe is clean and free of air bubbles, and the brake lever feels firm.
  5. Monitor fluid levels: Ensure there is always enough brake fluid in the funnel to avoid introducing more air into the system.

Finalising the Bleed

  1. With the funnel still open and attached, return the pistons fully as Hope specifies, watching for rising fluid and overflow. Complete any model specific spacer step before removing the funnel.
  2. Close the bleed nipple to the torque specified in the exact Hope manual; do not use a generic torque value.
  3. Insert the funnel plug and remove the funnel and bleed lid in the sequence specified for the model.
  4. Set the reservoir fluid level and refit the diaphragm and lid exactly as Hope instructs. Use the specified lid screw torque. Refit clean pads and the wheel, align the caliper, check for leaks and confirm normal braking before riding.
  5. Clean up: Wipe away any brake fluid spillage and dispose of the old brake fluid at a recycling center.

Additional Tips:

  • Always wear latex gloves and protective glasses when handling brake fluid, as it can be harmful to your skin and eyes.
  • DOT brake fluid is corrosive to paint, so clean any spillage immediately.
  • If the bleed nipple is in a tricky position (especially on the rear caliper), consider removing the caliper from the frame to ensure no air gets trapped inside.
  • Never pour brake fluid down the drain as it is harmful to the environment. Always dispose of it at a recycling center.

Regularly bleeding your Hope hydraulic brakes, whether they’re the Race, Race EVO, Tech 3, Tech EVO, or Tech 4 model, will ensure optimal performance on the road or trail. By following this guide, you’ll maintain a smooth and responsive brake system.

Need to replace your brake pads? Check out our high quality Hope brake pads. For those looking for top tier performance, don't miss our new Factory Racing Disc Brake Compounds specifically designed for Hope brakes.

Don’t forget to upgrade your setup with Titanium Retaining Bolts for better durability and corrosion resistance.

Ready to get started? Grab your bleed kits and brake fluid from our store today! Alternatively, check out our bicycle brake pad replacement. 

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