Bleeding shimano ultegra problem

Equipment
22

On using old instructions and bleeding brakes: Re-did my Toyota brakes, new calipers, hoses, rotors, pads. And got it all assembled and could not bleed those damn brakes for anything! I tried several times, and nothing… I was using an air pressure bleeding system, and just gave up. Everything I had said that would bleed the system in minutes, going wheel to wheel. NOPE!!

Turns out Toyota put a valve in their master cylinder starting that year that stopped the brake system from dumping all the fluid it there was a leak at a caliper. MEANING: If you bleed the system too fast, it thinks there is a leak and shuts down that wheel caliper. DOH!! And NO ONE mentioned that feature! The dealer laughed and said that happens a lot, people unable to get it done. They said to ‘gravity bleed’ the system too. So simple, it evaded me. Took a bite out of the savings I had hoped for too. :man_facepalming:

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23

So all seems ok if you bleed as per the new R8170 design but not the previous Ultegra. Actually much easier. Just attach your syringe at the caliper port and cup on to the shifter. Slowly push your fluid through and press the brake lever a few times. Bingo! Here’s a link -

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25

Here’s a good demo of why I like to tip the bike and burp the lever. :face_with_hand_over_mouth:

I’m glad you got things sorted out @willyroyale!

26

All good thanks Eddie

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27

I’ve always added fresh mineral oil at caliper end with no issues with air remaining in system.

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