Cutting Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc Brake Cables

Craig321

Hi,

Does anyone have/know of a decent guide I can use to cut my Shimano Deore brake cables without having to re-bleed?

I have a fair bit of length to come off to neaten the bike up a bit and obviously don't want to just go cutting without researching.

Thanks,
Craig.

peter413

I think you always have to bleed them

Craig321

Hmm, I'm not sure if it depends on the make of the brakes?

This guide shows you how, but they're using a different make: http://www.bikemagic.com/maintenance/sh ... /4807.html

DaveHudson

As long as the lever is not actuated while the system is "open" you will be fine. I had to trim the m595 hoses and have not had to bleed them.

The Rookie

I'm assuming as youare talking bleeding you mean hoses not cables?

Simon

Craig321

The Beginner wrote:

I'm assuming as youare talking bleeding you mean hoses not cables?

Simon

Yep

DaveHudson wrote:

As long as the lever is not actuated while the system is "open" you will be fine. I had to trim the m595 hoses and have not had to bleed them.

I.e. don't touch the brake level while cutting? :P

Would it just be a case of unscrewing, cutting, and screwing back in then? Providing I do it properly and don't need to re-bleed?

DaveHudson

Yeah that's it, I just used a posh word

You will need a new barb and olive I think but otherwise just unscrew and trim then put back.

Craig321

DaveHudson wrote:

Yeah that's it, I just used a posh word

You will need a new barb and olive I think but otherwise just unscrew and trim then put back.

Why would I need a new barb & olive. Do they not go back on once taken off?

snotty badger

Surely if you cut the hose the fluid will leak and air will get in?! :?

RupertCommunicator

Personally I would empty the system first, cut then re-bleed, but if you think you can do it without bleeding, crack on and good luck to you!

Anonymous

you will definitely need to bleed the system after cutting the hose, unless you perform the enitre operation submerged in mineral oil (or brake fluid for other brands of brakes)

W00DENT0P

As said, as long as you don't operate the lever while you have the the hose disconnectedit'll be fine, no need to bleed them.
You might get on odd drip from the lever but seeing as the reservoir cap is still on then its still sealed, the chance of getting air into the lever thru where the hose connects is pretty slim, same with the hose / caliper.
On the small chance of getting any air in the system, just place the lever so the reservoir cap is level, remove it then just pull the lever a few times, this will allow any small bubbles rise back up into the reservoir.
Swapped / shortened loads (problys 100's) of hoses and its very rare you need to bleed the system.

paul.skibum

You will need a new Olive at the very least - the old one will have been squished by the assembly and need replacing - barb may be salvageable. I'd probably bleed it again - doesnt take long.