Best kit for bleeding Tektro disc brakes?

[danfoto]

What do I buy in order to equip myself for bleeding my Tektro disc brakes? I already have the Allen keys and the Torx key required, but that's it. After a swift mooch around the internets I can see two problems. One is that most if not all of the kits I've looked at seem to be "universal" to a greater or lesser extent. And the other is the simple fact that at 75, I can't be doing with faffing about with equipment that doesn't quite work as advertised, or doesn't fit properly or whatever.

So - which kit should I get so my brake-bleeding may proceed in an orderly and sensible manner, leaving me with a smile on my face? And while I'm at it, which mineral oil should I buy?

Please note that purchasing must be done online, and bear in mind that I don't anticipate the need to do this job very often.

[Paulatic]

I don’t know why Tektro might be different but all I use for my Shimano is a 10mm syringe and the same bit of rubber hose I use with cars. Helps to manage the direction of the outflow.
Make sure the reservoir is level and at the highest point with the bleed at the lowest point without loops. Keep the reservoir full while gravity lets the fluid out at the bottom. When there’s no air and nice clean fluid coming out seal up the bottom fill up the top and job done.
I use LHM ( Citroen suspension fluid) a lot cheaper than anything which has a bicycle picture on.

[danfoto]

Thank you but my question is specifically about which bits and bobs I would be best off buying.

[Paulatic]

Thank you but my question is specifically about which bits and bobs I would be best off buying.

My answer to that is a 10 mm syringe and a bit of rubber hose if you don’t already have them.
In the rest of my first reply outlining the method I thought someone aged 75 having to ask what they need to bleed brakes you probably have no earlier experience of bleeding brakes.

[audaxjk]

Have a look at Epicbleedsolutions website. I used them for instruction/advice for my Shimano hydraulics. They sell kits for many different brake manufacturers along with a load of instructional videos and trouble shooting FAQs. I have purchased bits off them and found them to be very reliable and helpful.

I note that their Tektro bleed kit is out of stock but ebay seem to have kits available. Have a look at:

https://epicbleedsolutions.com/collecti ... -bleed-kit

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264785183018 ... gJzi_D_BwE

[KM2]

I’d like to echo audaxjk.

[Redvee]

My first bleedkit came from Epic back in the days when I had Taiwanese semi-hydraulic callipers and still used the same kit on my Shimano brakes. I have bought another kit for my Sram brakes to avoid cross contamination as they use different types of brake fluid.

[danfoto]

Thank you for pointing me to the Epic site, gentlemen. I'm now sorted.

[Jdsk]

NB date.

I'm considering whether to service the Tektro flat bar brake system on a family member's bike. I've never done this before, but I have done cars.

I've found videos from Tektro and Park Tool:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFlxB_2 ... O&index=13
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJfYiDSsjZ8

Any advice on bits that I'll need other than what's upthread?

And any other advice?

Thanks

Jonathan

[PH]

NB date.

I'm considering whether to service the Tektro flat bar brake system on a family member's bike. I've never done this before, but I have done cars.

I've found videos from Tektro and Park Tool:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFlxB_2 ... O&index=13
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJfYiDSsjZ8

Any advice on bits that I'll need other than what's upthread?

And any other advice?

Thanks

Jonathan

It's the same principal as a car, just 100x easier because you're at both ends, the pipe/hose is flexible and it isn't nasty DOT fluid.
If the brakes are not too bad, there's a quick bleed that works with Shimano and I don't see why it wouldn't work equally as well with Tektro
https://epicbleedsolutions.com/blogs/ar ... mini-bleed

If you do go for a full bleed, and the hose is clipped on rather than threaded through bosses, removing the caliper and unclipping the hose so it hangs in a straight line means there's no where for air bubbles to hide. If you can't do that, tapping the hose where it bends can dislodge any bubbles.
If you're doing a through service, consider cleaning the piston seals at the same time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQXFFgRButo

[Jdsk]

Thankyou very much.

It's just wonderful to get such helpful advice... within an hour of asking!

Jonathan

[Brucey]

.....It's the same principal as a car, just 100x easier because you're at both ends, the pipe/hose is flexible and it isn't nasty DOT fluid. ....

well it might be. IIRC Tektro are the only manufacturer which has used both types of fluid. BTW bikes with flat bars are definitely easier than cars.

[PH]

.....It's the same principal as a car, just 100x easier because you're at both ends, the pipe/hose is flexible and it isn't nasty DOT fluid. ....

IIRC Tektro are the only manufacturer which has used both types of fluid.

I think you might have recalled incorrectly, either that or the manufacturer has got it wrong:
Mineral Oil
• For all TRP and Tektro hydraulic braking systems.
https://tektro.com/en/product/178#:~:te ... eral%20oil.

[Brucey]

currently......

[tim-b]

Statement of experience:
I've only ever worked with Shimano systems, however...

• Epic bleedkits are very good

• There are alternative mineral oils that can be used, but I try to stick with OEM. Epic can supply these too

• It can advantageous to hang the bike at a "levers high" angle to encourage bubbles up and out (if necessary rotate the 'bars to raise the levers)

• When you're done, hold both brake levers on with straps/tape/string and leave it overnight "levers high"

• Top the reservoirs up the following morning

EDIT to add that a full fluid change is a faff and IME hasn't been needed, just an occasional bleed as described, unless there's a specific issue