Hope tech brake bleed advice

[ishaw]

I've done some work on a set of hope tech brakes. Fully serviced the levers and given the callipers a good clean and lube.

The bike I fitted them to is small, so hoses were shortened to suit, then the brakes were bled.

I got a good bleed done, all feels good but I suspect I didn't use a fat enough block between the pistons as the stick out s little and with pads fitted, are very close to the rotors and so impossible to align without rubbing.

My question is this. Can I simply remove the reservoir covers, push the pistons in, let the excess fluid spill out, refit the covers and solve the problem, or will I need a full bleed with a wider block between the pistons?

My logic is that there's slightly too much fluid in the system to allow the pistons to retract fully.

Thanks

 

[old_coyote_pedaller]

Instead of removing reservoir covers just crack open bleed nipple on caliper, put rag over it and push pistons back after removing pads.
That's what I've done in past when brakes have been previously bled with worn pads then when trying to fit new pads there's not enough clearance.

 

[Cloverleaf]

Yep, agreed; crack open the nipple while holding a rag over the end (tightly) and squeeze the lever. As with bleeding, don't release the lever until the nipple is tight!

 

[ishaw]

Ok, so gave this a go on the front. Removed pads, undid bleed nipple, pushed pistons in. A small amount of fluid came out. Tightened bleed nipple, refitted pads and gave them a try. Still have the same problem. Pads are still too close to the rotor after pulling the levers.

Have I been a chicken and not let enough fluid out?

The lever feel is great, so it feels like the bleed is good, just the pistons aren't retracting enough.