Shimano Brake Maintenance FAQ: Top 5 Beginner Questions Answered

Shimano hydraulic brakes are known for their reliability and power, but beginners often have questions about using and maintaining them. In this Gorilla Brakes guide, we answer five of the most common questions to help you get the best performance out of your brakes. Learn about resetting pistons, bleeding schedules, bedding-in pads, fluid types, and component compatibility.

1. I accidentally squeezed the brake lever with the wheel off – how do I reset the pads/pistons?

When you pull the brake lever without the rotor in place, the pistons push the pads together. To reset them:

• Insert a spacer or flat tool: Remove the wheel. Use a brake pad spacer or a clean, flat tool to gently push the pads apart.
• Relieve pressure: If needed, carefully loosen the bleed screw slightly to release pressure, then retighten.
• Reinstall and test: Refit the wheel and pump the brake lever until the pads contact the rotor.

Tip: Always use a pad spacer when the wheel is off.

2. How often do I need to bleed Shimano hydraulic brakes?

Bleed frequency depends on use:

• Casual riding: Once a year Minimum Depending on Use.
• Heavy use: Every 3-6 months
• When performance drops: If the brakes feel spongy or weak no brake power.

Shimano mineral oil doesn't absorb water but still breaks down over time. Refresh it every year for best results.

3. How should I bed in new Shimano brake pads and rotors?

Bedding in improves performance and reduces noise. Follow these steps:

1. Clean the rotors with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Find a quiet, safe place to ride.
3. Do 10–20 light stops from 15–20 km/h to a near stop, then release.
4. Follow with a few harder stops from higher speeds.
5. Ride gently for a minute to cool the brakes.

4. What brake fluid do Shimano brakes use?

Only use mineral oil in Shimano brakes. Do not use DOT fluid—it will damage the system.

• Shimano Mineral Oil
• Other bike-specific mineral oils

Avoid non-bike alternatives like baby oil or automotive fluid.

5. Are Shimano brake levers and calipers interchangeable?

Only within categories:

• MTB with MTB: XT, SLX, Deore, etc.
• Road with Road: Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, etc.

Do not mix MTB and road systems—lever pull ratios and mounts are different.

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We hope this FAQ has boosted your confidence in maintaining your Shimano brakes. With a bit of know-how, keeping them in top shape is simple.

Need new pads? Check out our Shimano Collection for high-performance options.

– Team Gorilla Brakes