Bicycle Mechanics - Adjust modulation on XT hydraulic disc brakes???

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rallen
03-27-07, 06:27 AM
How do I adjust the modulation on XT hydraulic disc brakes?
Right now they are running pretty stiff, so a little pull is locking them up. I'd like to have a little more modulation before they lock up because this is causing me to loose a little traction in some turns.
They were fine but are now real stiff after a tune up at the shop.

rallen
03-27-07, 11:43 AM
Anyone?
The Great Stonk
03-27-07, 12:48 PM
pretty sure you can only adjust lever reach on xt's...

modulation wise your stuck with what ya gots...

1 finger braking ? learn to be gentler on the levers ?

are these your 1st hydro's ?

rallen
03-27-07, 01:52 PM
yeah first ones, I liked the modulation I had before I took it in for a tune up.

Should I dump some of the mineral oil out of the reservoir?
rallen
03-28-07, 07:27 AM
come on, 10 people replied to "can bar tape be reused?"
fiver
03-28-07, 08:18 AM
come on, 10 people replied to "can bar tape be reused?"

LOL...Sad but true

Are these new brakes?

All disc brakes, especially some hydro types, need to be ridden a while before the pads brake in.
Before the pads are broken in, it may feel like there is more modulation.
THe only way to change the modulation on a pair of XT's (that I know of) is to:

a: Don't cut the hose down, a little extra length will give less RAW stopping power

b: Try different pads, ft and rr and find out what works the best for you. Most people prefer more modulation in the back, so I would suggest trying a hard compound in the back, and soft in front.
THe harder compounds should give you more modulation.

I wouldn't suggest (un) bleeding the brakes.

You could also try using a different rotor, although the only rotor that I know of that would give better modulation is from Stan's No TUbes. And they're for weight weenies for sure.
seamuskeogh
03-28-07, 08:47 AM
word.
supcom
03-28-07, 11:13 AM
yeah first ones, I liked the modulation I had before I took it in for a tune up.

Should I dump some of the mineral oil out of the reservoir?

Absolutely not! This will result in a trip to the hospital from loss of brakes.

Try doing 15-20 hard stops rolling down a hill (carefully) and see if that doesn't help mellow the action a bit.
fiver
03-29-07, 07:45 AM
Try doing 15-20 hard stops rolling down a hill (carefully) and see if that doesn't help mellow the action a bit.

I concur. Also try spraying water on the rotors before doing this. It will squeal like hell, but help brake in the pads.