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    How do I tighten my brake handle? (Shimano 105 disc brake)

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    13 Comments

    1. Hi_im_from_uranus on

      I thought the problem was my disc brake pads, but apparently it’s because my handle can’t get any force to the brakes.

    2. crabcrabcam on

      That’s hydraulic brakes. You’d probably be best just taking them to a shop, but you could also order a bleed kit and look up videos for “how to bleed brakes”.

      Short term, pump the lever a bunch and it’ll come back, at least somewhat.

    3. Experience-Early on

      If those are hydraulic brakes then they may need some mineral oil added and a bleed

      If cable actuated then the cable may may need tightening.

    6. Lawrence_skywalker on

      Check if your pads are thick enough. Have you had your bike upside down? then the oil probably drained to the levers. Keep pumping until you get some pressure and go the to a bike shop. It needs a service.

    7. Bermnerfs on

      Invest in a hydraulic brake bleed kit, you can get one for under $30 and it’ll have everything you’ll need except the wrenches for opening the bleed ports. The wrench size depends on the brake model, usually the lever screw requires a 2.5mm Allen key and the bleed port on the caliper may also require an Allen key or it could require a 7mm wrench.

      In the meantime hop onto YouTube and start watching videos on how to bleed brakes. Park Tool has several awesome tutorials that take you thru it step by step and cover the process for different lever types.

      I used to think bleeding hydraulic brakes was some insurmountable complicated task, but now that I have done it several times it’s actually quite simple. You just have to take it slow, focus, and be methodical about it since there are several things that can go wrong and make it a much bigger job if you mess up.

    11. NoChanceCW on

      1. You should probably take this to a shop as brakes are a safety feature of a bike and should be maintained by someone qualified to do so.
      2. Below is how to gain some braking ability with limited tools:
      A. Roll the hood back and expose the brake bleed port.
      B. Open the brake bleed port with a small Allen key. Your bike must be set up so this port is horizontal or the fluid will leak when you remove the screw. Note, any brake fluid that touches the rubber hood will damage it and cause it to expand and loosen over time. Use alcohol to clean up any spills asap.
      C. Look at the bleed port, if there is fluid to the top, something else is likely wrong or fluide needs to be replaced. Nothing you can do without a kit.
      D. If it’s missing fluid, buy a small thing of Shimano fluid and top it up. This will get you some function but a full bleed will be needed soon, as there are likely air bubbles in the system. Remember, once the screw is back on, clean with alcohol to reduce expansion of plastic parts.

      https://preview.redd.it/1m4ndak08kqf1.png?width=2040&format=png&auto=webp&s=caa6c72640324cafeafe5297711d9e0c5e5aa42b

      I recommend you take it to a shop. I also recommend if you want to bleed your own brakes, you take a course. This is very much a crash course description and I don’t recommend it unless you really need function for today. But I also get the reason we have this channel is trying and help so I explained the process.

      If someone brought this to me, I would do a full brake bleed to ensure reliable use.

      Good luck.

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