niconj Posted February 13, 2014 Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 (edited) Hello, I've had a water bled HS33 already and pretty much liked the feel of it. Now I've recently bought a Racing Line lever, which is far from cheap and was wondering whether water could do any harm to it. The brake isn't mounted yet and I would really like to water bleed it, but on the other side, am afraid of wrecking the lever in the long run. I have all the options to oil bleed it (Royal Blood, Shimano Mineral Oil, Castrol LHM+) but would really go for water instead, iff it doesn't damage my lever. Any experiences/suggestions? Nico. Edited February 13, 2014 by niconj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isitafox Posted February 13, 2014 Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 Bit of silicone lube on the piston and it'll be fine (unless you bought a complete unit in which case it should already be done!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niconj Posted February 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 (edited) Nope. I bought the lever only. I have some military grease pm600 (the one for rock shock seals) here. Will that do the trick as well? Also, how do I get the oil out of the system before bath bleeding it? I saw the video with dish washer detergent but that can't be right now can it? Edited February 13, 2014 by niconj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blake Posted February 13, 2014 Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 Nope. I bought the lever only. I have some military grease pm600 (the one for rock shock seals) here. Will that do the trick as well? Also, how do I get the oil out of the system before bath bleeding it? I saw the video with dish washer detergent but that can't be right now can it? Undo all the bleed bolts and hang it up above the sink, it should drip out, then put it under water and squeeze it loads Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave33 Posted February 13, 2014 Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 They aren't designed to be blead with water so might void your waranty. Most people do though with no problems, 30% anti freeze and water is advisable. Use an airline to clear the system of oil once you empty it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niconj Posted February 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 (edited) Use an airline to clear the system of oil once you empty it. That's what I did. Then I greased up the piston w/ Military Grease and water bled it (50:50). BTW, here's what Tarty says about Racing Line and water: "Please Note: As with all the Hydraulic Rim Brakes we supply, these levers are only covered under warranty when used with mineral oil. This warranty period covers manufacturing and materials defects for 6 months. However, through our own testing we have found them to work when using a water and anti-freeze solution." Mine is 2 months old already and I don't suppose it's gonna break in the remaining 4 months. Edited February 13, 2014 by niconj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave33 Posted February 14, 2014 Report Share Posted February 14, 2014 That's what I did. Then I greased up the piston w/ Military Grease and water bled it (50:50). BTW, here's what Tarty says about Racing Line and water: "Please Note: As with all the Hydraulic Rim Brakes we supply, these levers are only covered under warranty when used with mineral oil. This warranty period covers manufacturing and materials defects for 6 months. However, through our own testing we have found them to work when using a water and anti-freeze solution." Mine is 2 months old already and I don't suppose it's gonna break in the remaining 4 months. I'm not sure what military grease is ? If it's designed to be used with rubber it will be fine, it's normally red in colour. Water and antifreeze should be fine, 50/50 might be a bit much antifreeze and swell the o rings. It it can't really damage any parts other than the seals which can be replaced easy any way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greetings Posted February 14, 2014 Report Share Posted February 14, 2014 (edited) What about using Phluid? It's a bit more "greasy" than water. If it were my lever, I'd use Phluid, if I didn't have any, I'd give it a water bleed. Can't see anything wrong happening with it. edit: On second thought, what about some Prestone radiator fluid? Edited February 14, 2014 by Greetings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niconj Posted February 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2014 (edited) I'm not sure what military grease is? It's this red grease you use for the dust wiper seal (the grey rubber thingies) on Rock Shox forks. It should be fine. 50/50 may have been a bit too much. I think I put 60/40 or sth. like it. I will have to rebleed soon anyways for the rest of the oil still stuck in the system will be clogged and I want it out. Edited February 14, 2014 by niconj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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