Since we have a bike-repair sub here, so why not have a chat.

So I like my bike, when I am at home I ride the thing every day to work. So I got myself something nice a few years back. A nice Trekking-Bike with hydraulic brakes. Magura HS 11s. One slightly newer than the other.

Before I went to college for this semester I went to a shop to get the brakes fixed since the pads were pretty dead. Since I have to go to another city quite far away from college it stood there in the shed for a few months.

I went back home a few weeks ago I noticed that the brake handle is quite “loose” in the sense that I have to pull the handle for quite a bit before stuff happens. Pads do look quite good to me since they are basically new anyway.

Is it normal that brakes get air in that quickly?

Looking up online The service kit for these brakes with all the stuff needed is like 30€.

Looking at some videos it seems fairly easy of a job.

“New” HS11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugyT6Dtkf2A

“Old” HS11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6y0CqstEdQ

Sorry for the second one being german btw could not find any other for the specific model…

I am kinda unsure though I should try this myself since its the brakes we talk about… It seems quite easy and atleast manage changing tyres on bikes on my own. Would love to hear what you have to say.

  • stefan230@rammy.siteOPEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Actually had some time now to do the procedure. It is fairly easy and not much of a mess with that kit that magura sells. Got it for about 30€. It includes the syringes and 100ml of the oil that is used in the brakes.

    So after doing the back brake, the pressure point sure is nice and tight again. Though I think something might be still amiss here. The pads are not that worn I think, but I still had to the screw for brake wear all in again, which means I don’t really have much leverage if they wear out more.

    If it holds up a few months that would be nice still since I only really need it until december with that set. I do wonder if they maybe just are pushed too much outward or something. That something for the mechanic to check next time.

    Though changing out the pads myself does not seem that. I might try next time. Since its basically just unscrewing some stuff and slotting new ones in.