How to bleed SRAM brakes

This is a key operation to solve one of the most common problems in what is surely the most important system of our bicycle. That’s why today we bring you a video in which we explain step by step how to bleed SRAM brakes. This is something that helps to remove any air that may have entered the hydraulic circuit, which prevents them from functioning properly. And because, in addition, the American company is one of the best-selling in the segment, many cyclists mount them on their mountain bikes.

How to bleed SRAM brakes

You will see that we only have four main steps when bleeding the hydraulic disc brakes of this brand, although each of them involves several small operations. In any case, it’s not technical at all, and all we will need are some syringes and a specific fluid, in addition to the block that corresponds to our brakes.

1. Preparation

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Start by removing the front wheel and then take out the pads. To do this, you will need to remove the lock, extract the pin with a 2.5 mm Allen key, and open the pistons. Finally, insert the specific SRAM bleed block for your model.

2. Syringe connection

Once you have everything prepared, you will need to have two syringes already pre-filled with DOT 5.1 fluid, the one used by SRAM brakes. One of them should be filled to 70%, and the other to 20%. The one that goes in the caliper has a special connector (which you will see in the video); insert it and open the flow by turning the piece, so that the hydraulic circuit is open. Then, remove the cap from the lever with a Torx 10 key and connect the upper syringe.

3. Bleeding

We begin the actual bleeding of the brakes. To do this, alternately press one syringe and then the other, which is how you will remove any possible air bubbles that may be in the circuit. When you see that there is no more air, close the oil flow in the upper syringe, and also the knob of the caliper connector.

4. Cleaning and assembly

Then, remove the lower syringe, apply a little pressure on the upper one and remove it as well. Put the cap back in place and, with a degreaser or a specific brake cleaner, remove any residue that may have remained. Finally, reinstall the pads and pull the lever a couple of times to check that the feel is correct.

And that’s it, with this you will have successfully bled your SRAM hydraulic brakes. An operation that is sometimes very necessary if we want to keep using our bike, and it will take you hardly 10 minutes.