Bled my brakes 3 times and still got spongy lever - what am I missing?

Got a set of Shimano XT brakes on my trail bike. Followed the standard bleed procedure step by step, even bought the official bleed kit. After three tries the lever still pulls almost to the bar before it bites. I'm using the right mineral oil, no leaks anywhere. Is there a trick I'm not doing or do I just need to take it to a shop?

3 comments

3 Comments

hugo8257d ago

Three times is brutal man I feel your pain on that spongy lever.

terryf627d ago

Bled mine three times before I realized the lever needs to be positioned horizontal not tilted up during the process... got air trapped in the master cylinder that way. Try rotating the bars so the lever sits flat before you crack the bleed port open.

jake_owens7d ago

Huh. @hugo825 you're not wrong about that spongy feeling. But don't you gotta tilt the lever up a bit first to let air rise out though?