My pads are pretty worn and now I have to squeeze the brake levers further than I'd like in order to engage the brakes. I tried using the "free stroke screw" to help with the adjustment but it doesn't seem to do anything. I tried adding more fluid in the resevoir but that didn't really help. I guess I needed to get fluid into the lines so that the pads are closer to the disc when at rest. The only way I could think to do this was to add oil through the bleed screw using my juicy syringe. I had to squeeze a bit of fluid in to get the pistons to compress the pads and then close off the bleed screw. That seemed to work. Is this the easiest way to eliminate free stroke on worn pads on XT brakes? When I replace the pads I imagine that I'll have to bleed a bid of fluid out. Let me know if this method is acceptable and if there is a easier way. THanks in advance!
I have the newer XT's and I have reach adjust but this does not remedy the amount of stroke before the pads contact the disc. The reach only adjusts the reach from the bar.
I loosen and rotate the brake lever so the master cylinder reservoir is level with the ground. Then unscrew I take the two screws out of the cap and add fluid directly into the reservoir. I bleed the brakes afterwards to make sure there is no air in the line. This tech doc from Shimano should help.
