You've been bleeding the SRAM MAVEN Brakes WRONG!, by CB Cycle Works on YouTube. 27 min.
- Video length
- 27 min
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Remove the wheel and brake pads, then fit the bleed block into the caliper so the pistons stay fully retracted. Clean the caliper and lever with isopropyl alcohol before you open anything.
Lay out your bleed kit: two syringes, tubing, bleed blocks and fresh SRAM mineral oil. Check the tubing fits snugly on both the caliper bleed port and the lever port.
Fill one syringe about half full with fresh mineral oil and push out any air bubbles. Keep the syringe upright with the tip capped until you connect it.
Attach the syringe to the caliper bleed port, open the port a quarter turn and gently push oil through until it runs clear with no bubbles. Close the port and remove the syringe.
Connect the second syringe to the lever bleed port and draw oil up through the system. Tap the lever and hose lightly to release trapped air, then close the lever port.
Flush the old oil out by pushing fresh oil from the caliper syringe through to the lever syringe until the oil in the lever syringe looks clean. Dispose of the used oil properly.
Do a final bleed: push oil from the caliper while working the lever slowly, then close the caliper port first and the lever port last. This order traps the least air.
Refit the pads and wheel, then squeeze the lever several times to set the pads. Check for leaks at both ports and confirm the lever feels firm before you ride.
Tips and common mistakes
Maven brakes use mineral oil, so never top up with DOT fluid or you will damage the seals.
Tap the caliper and hose with a screwdriver handle while bleeding to help trapped air rise to the lever.
If the lever still feels soft after one bleed, repeat the final bleed step rather than adding more oil.
Keep oil off the rotor and pads; contaminated pads will squeal and lose bite.
Questions
How often should I bleed SRAM Maven brakes?
Bleed them when the lever feels spongy or the oil looks dark, usually once a year for regular riders. A full flush is worth doing if the brakes have never been serviced.
Can I bleed Maven brakes without a SRAM kit?
You need two syringes and the right fittings, so a generic bleed kit that includes Maven adapters will work. Avoid makeshift tubing that can pop off under pressure.
Why are my Maven brakes still soft after bleeding?
Air is usually still trapped in the lever or hose. Repeat the final bleed, tapping the hose and working the lever slowly to push the bubbles out.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
