My Brakes Feel Soft or Spongey?Updated 9 months ago
If your brakes feel soft or spongey, or you have noticed that they aren't stopping as quickly as they used to you may need to have your brakes bled. Brake bleeding should be done by a reputable bike mechanic, however, you can watch this video to learn how to bleed your brakes.
Bleeding your brakes is a fairly simple process, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure that your brakes are working properly. Here's a general guide on how to do it:
Things you need:
Brake Bleed Kit
Rag
Needle-nose Pliers
T15 Torx Bit
Hex Wrench (5mm, 4mm, 3mm)
Rubbing Alcohol
Flat Head Screw Driver (optional)
Steps:
Turn off the bike: Locate the power button, usually on the display. Press and hold it until the display turns off completely and any lights are extinguished.
Disconnect the battery: Find the latch or lock mechanism and carefully detach the battery.
Prepare the bleed kit. Fill one syringe with fresh mineral oil, and the other syringe should be empty. Attach the hoses to the syringes, and then connect the hoses to the caliper and lever.
Place the bike on a stand so that the wheels are off the ground.
Locate the bleed screw on the caliper and open it slightly.
Attach the bleed hose to the bleed screw.
Have a friend slowly squeeze the brake lever while you open and close the syringe valve, pushing fluid through the system and out the bleed screw.
Keep an eye on the reservoir and make sure it doesn't run dry. If it does, you'll introduce air into the system.
Once you see fresh, bubble-free fluid coming out of the bleed screw, close the valve and tighten the bleed screw.
Repeat steps 6-9 for the other caliper.
Remove the bleed block or spacer and reinstall the brake pads.
Pump the brake lever a few times to firm up the brakes.
Test the brakes carefully to make sure they are working properly.