Using XTR levers with Giant MPH calipers and hoses

ochils11

Hi, Has any one tried to match up Shimano XTR hydraulic brake levers (mate has just upgraded and has 2 leavers/shifters going spare, free of charge as well!) to Giant MPH 2 hoses and calipers?

I know that the MPH 2's are DOT fluid filled and the XTR's are based on Shimano's mineral oil fluid and that the fluids are not compatible.

Thought it might be possible to go from DOT fluid to mineral oil as most rubbers, elastomers, etc are mineral oil compatible but not the other way round.

Anyone know if flushing the MPH 2's out with lots of Shimano mineral oil and bleeding them will work or will the seals fail at a critical point with me being squished to the nearest tree?

OR should I sell the levers, add some more cash and buy a complete Shimano set?

Thanks in advance
Cj

supersonic

You cant mix and match like this, the lever is specifically designed to work with the caliper. The cyclinder ratios may be very different, plus the MPH is a closed system.

ochils11

Hmmmm, the MPH's on my giant have a reservior and the facility to bleed etc and the xtr piston is about the same diameter, although I've not accurately measured it yet, but will do if I can find out if I can swap the fluids

lbs (Giant dealer) wasn't keen to try due to the brake fluids and he was also a bit worried in case a seal went when braking.

Feels like it might be ebay for me and then buy a new set!

skyliner

IME mineral oils don't work in dot systems, but it just takes longer for the seals to degrade.
So even if you've got the correct leverage ratio from the XTR's (which I doubt, given the length of the MPH blades and how positive they feel) you'll probably encounter a total failure, or lock out further down the line, depending on whether the seals disintigrate or expand.
On the plus side though, you could get a set of Deore calipers and some hoses fairly cheaply, and use the 160mm MPH rotors until you have the funds to swap them too.

ochils11

Cheers guys, think I'll take your advice and not try to combine the two but buy a set of Shimano calipers and hoses when I've got the funds.

The Spiderman

Some good deals to be had on 06 XT ones at the moment.

I swapped from Giant MPH to Shimano XT.