How to Bleed Your Brakes the Simple Way (With Just One Syringe!)
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Hey folks! If you’re here, you’re probably like my buddy Dan—who’s behind the camera today—dealing with a bike that’s got some brake issues. You’ve likely noticed your brakes feeling off, maybe spongy or lacking pressure. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Tons of people run into this, and there are countless tutorials out there showing complicated ways to bleed brakes: upside-down bikes, multiple syringes, you name it. But today, I’m sharing a super simple method using just one syringe. Let’s get your brakes back in top shape—here’s how!
Step 1: Check and Clean Your Brake Pads
Before we dive into bleeding, let’s make sure your brake pads are ready. Dan’s pads, for example, had a bit of oil on them from a previous bleed gone wrong (it happens!). Oil on your pads can ruin braking performance, so here’s the fix:
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Grab some sandpaper and gently sand the brake pads to remove any oil or grime.
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Wipe them down with a cleaner (brake cleaner works great).
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Once they’re clean, they’re good to go!
If your pads are worn out, it’s not worth bleeding them—replace them first. But if they’re in decent shape, like Dan’s, let’s move on.
Step 2: Remove and Prep the Brake Pads
To bleed properly, you’ll need to work with your brake caliper. Here’s how to handle the pads:
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Use a small plier to slide in the brake pad pin or clip.
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If one pad is stuck, grab a flathead screwdriver, gently push the piston back to make space, and slide the pad in.
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Repeat for the other pad—hold it close with your thumb, make space with the screwdriver, and pop it back in once we’re done.
Dan’s brakes had no pressure at all (you’ll see why in a sec), so bleeding was definitely needed.
Step 3: Understanding Hydraulic Brakes
For those new to this, here’s a quick rundown: hydraulic brakes (like on your Vanmoof) use a piston in the handlebar lever to push oil through a hose. That oil then moves two pistons in the caliper, pressing your brake pads against the disc to stop your bike. If there’s air in the system, you lose pressure—and that’s what we’re fixing today.
Step 4: Bleeding the Brakes with One Syringe
Now, the fun part! Here’s how to bleed your brakes easily:
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Prep the Syringe: Fill your syringe with brake fluid. Tap it like a doctor to remove air bubbles—spill it a bit until it’s clear.
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Open the Bleed Port: Carefully remove the bleed screw on your caliper. Watch for the O-ring—it’s tiny but critical. If it stays inside, fish it out to avoid issues later.
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Attach the Syringe: Connect the syringe to the bleed port securely.
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Remove the Air: Pull the syringe plunger back to draw out air from the system. You’ll see bubbles coming up—hold your caliper so any oil drips away from the pads.
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Push Fluid In: Now push the plunger to send fresh oil into the system. Go back and forth—pull air out, push oil in—to flush the system completely.
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Check Pressure: Watch your brake pads. When you push oil in and the pads start touching each other, the system’s full. You’ve got pressure!
Step 5: Lock It In (The Pro Trick!)
Here’s where it gets clever. Your syringe should have a lock (super important!). Once the system’s full:
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Push fluid in one last time.
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Pull the plunger back slightly to create a vacuum, then quickly lock it while holding the pull.
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Unscrew the syringe—thanks to the vacuum, you’ll lose barely any fluid (just a few drops, no biggie).
This move might take a couple tries to nail, but trust me—practice makes perfect. I do this every day, and it works 10/10 times!
Step 6: Test and Finish Up
Reinstall your screw, make some space between the pads with the flat screw driver, put you brake caliper in place, tighten everything up, and give your lever a squeeze. Feel that pressure? Done! If it’s still soft, no stress—just repeat the process. You’ll get it.
Why This Matters for Your Ride
Bleeding your brakes isn’t just about fixing a problem—it’s about keeping your rides safe and smooth. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy setup—just one syringe and a little know-how.
Want to make it even easier? I’ve put together brake kits with syringes, brake pads, and all the essentials you’ll need. They’ll be available soon—check the links below to grab yours and bleed your brakes like a pro at home!
Let’s Hear From You!
That’s it, folks! Simple, no mysteries, no fuss. Have you tried this method? Drop a comment below and let me know how it went—or if you’ve got questions, I’m here to help. Happy riding!
Links coming soon for the new brake maintenance kits—stay tuned!)