I'm not a professional bicycle mechanic but I know enough to feel comfortable working on or building my own machines.
I decided earlier this year that I was going to build a new bike for my birthday. I checked everything! I made sure that the frame was the correct size and had the right geometry. I made sure that the Shimano components were compatible. I did a deep dive on gravel specific tyres. Yes, I said tyres and not "tires" because I'm dead set on making "tyre" the spelling around here.
I got all the parts, all the odds and ends, and I was confident that I could get this thing together. Everything was going swimmingly until it came time to install the brakes.
They're hydraulic disc brakes. I've never really worked with hydraulic disc brakes. It seemed simple enough. Install the rotors on the wheel hubs, install the calipers on the frame and fork. Simple! Then came the brake bleed.
Again, it seemed like a simple task. All you have to do is pump some mineral oil into the brake hoses. Simple...right?
Nope.
A trained mechanic would have finished the job in no time but I guess I had something to prove. Long story short, I had mineral oil all over everything and now my brake pads are contaminated. That means that the squeal when I try to stop.
I've ordered new brake pads because no matter what I do, the brakes still squeal.
Learn from my mistake. There's a difference between thinking you know what you're doing and actually knowing what you're doing. Don't be to proud or stubborn to ask for help.
Quote from: Audrada Roibeardet on June 03, 2025, 08:15:25 PMLearn from my mistake.
Well you could stop the ahistorical spelling of "tires" for one :P
On a serious note, at least moving forward -- they make little brake bleeder kits (https://www.harborfreight.com/brake-bleeder-and-vacuum-pump-kit-63391.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901271210&campaignid=21901271210&utm_content=171677806502&adsetid=171677806502&product=63391&store=356&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901271210&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4eq6W-5sYzIG8L9E_iMKWQdJ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuvrBBhDcARIsAKRrkjdf6rEzfZ7Y21b7U5Fia_JeB9oNBRjZ501mySVIvz9Qee1AW3xex3YaAhBZEALw_wcB) that I imagine
should work on your bleed valves, though I'm not sure if they're of a different size than what you would find on a car. Do your brakes come with any sort of master cylinder or reservoir?
Now I'm thinking we need a Talossan Tinkering Club, for people who want to show off working on something fun (or pick the brains of their fellow Talossans)...I submit my membership application, and not even all of it, heh (https://i.imgur.com/zq6GA5b.jpeg)
Awww man, our cargo bike has hydraulic brakes and I regard those with superstitious dread.
There are bike specific bleed kits. The community bike shop I frequent (Vulture Space, just outside of Talossa) has a Park Tool Kit that I used. The problem wasn't the parts or equipment, it was my lack of knowledge. The brakes actually function but they absolutely scream when you attempt a full stop.
I've since done a lot of research. I've watched videos from reputable sources and I feel better about what to do next.
As for the Tinker's Union, where do I sign up?
Bleeding brakes is a pain in the ass, no matter your skill level.
UPDATE: Brake pads were contaminated. I replaced the pads and the problem went away.
Also, my new bike feels stupid fast. I'm a little nervous to try the bigger gear ratios. Felt like I was flying in the middle of the cassette.