help in bleeding/fixing brakes giant xtc-4

[pad1979]

hi have just bought a 2nd hand giant xtc-4. i initially wanted a basic bike to commute but this one came up for 200 quid so i thought i might as well get in to it as a hobby, the problem is i have little inclination with these sort of things and there is a problem with the rear brake. it was very weak and had next to no fluid in the system. a couple of lads at work (unfortunately) persuaded me to let them try and bleed it through. there was some fluid in the system but they flushed it out of the back and told me to get some dot 4 fluid which i did, only we had no proper equipment and they made a right mess trying to tip the fluid in. i now realise the importance of doing this task properly having watched it done on youtube and i'm hoping they haven't done any permanent damage . i would like still like to attempt it myself and having looked in to it in more depth i realise there are kits available. there are a couple of giant bleeding kits online but im not sure if i need the roots version or the mph 3, because underneath the fluid reservoir it says g4 - will either or any of these kits fit my bike ? also should i be worried why the fluid needs replacing ? do i have a leak somewhere ? part of me feels like just getting a pro to do it, but how much would it cost and also i would rather learn to do it myself than always pay out to get it done. is it really a simple task ? any help would be greatly appreciated

thanks

 

[scotty110788]

Halfords and start cycles charge 20 quid per bleed, not 100% sure but least it'll give you rough guide on price, I've never attempted myself and I dont plan to ; )

 

[I like Skol]

Halfords

NOOOOOO not halfords and brakes in the same sentance! Are you insane?

 

[scotty110788]

NOOOOOO not halfords and brakes in the same sentance! Are you insane?

Haha well they have sorted few sets of mine out, avids and hopes

 

[s khan]

hi have just bought a 2nd hand giant xtc-4. i initially wanted a basic bike to commute but this one came up for 200 quid so i thought i might as well get in to it as a hobby, the problem is i have little inclination with these sort of things and there is a problem with the rear brake. it was very weak and had next to no fluid in the system. a couple of lads at work (unfortunately) persuaded me to let them try and bleed it through. there was some fluid in the system but they flushed it out of the back and told me to get some dot 4 fluid which i did, only we had no proper equipment and they made a right mess trying to tip the fluid in. i now realise the importance of doing this task properly having watched it done on youtube and i'm hoping they haven't done any permanent damage . i would like still like to attempt it myself and having looked in to it in more depth i realise there are kits available. there are a couple of giant bleeding kits online but im not sure if i need the roots version or the mph 3, because underneath the fluid reservoir it says g4 - will either or any of these kits fit my bike ? also should i be worried why the fluid needs replacing ? do i have a leak somewhere ? part of me feels like just getting a pro to do it, but how much would it cost and also i would rather learn to do it myself than always pay out to get it done. is it really a simple task ? any help would be greatly appreciated

thanks

hi
i have same bike and being a female didnt know how to bleed.
i went to my local hafords and they said bleeding will cost me £50 and will have to leave it there for 4 days.
anyway, google is best, i looked up google and found i can do it myself.
bleed kit was expensive so i bought a 60ml syringe from ebay only for £2+, also bought a 3mm washer jet (1 meter for £1+) tube from ebay, bought 500ml dot4 oil from halfords.
i had ruined my brake pads by pouring oil on them so also bought new brake pads from ebay for £10 (4 pads).

the syringe does not need anything to attach to reservoir.its small enough.
the 3mm tube needs be bit widened to make sure it fits on bleed nipple.make sure no oil drips on brake pads, put a small towel around the bleed nipple to protect brakes.
below i paste the link where you can see exactly in pictures how to bleed it in its manual

http://www.wrower.pl/instrukcje/Giant/2001-MPH-3_owners_manual.pdf

 

[rusty bearing]

Best place I've found for good size plastic syringes is the local vet! Tube is easily got from the nearest tropical/cold water fish shop.