Step three – removing the brake pads

It’s possible to remove the brake pads from the caliper without removing the caliper from the frame, but Shimano’s mechanic recommended doing so for greater ease of access to the caliper’s bleed nipple, which is located on its inside edge, closest to the wheel. It also reduces the chances of spilling fluid on to the rotor.

Remove the clip from the retaining screw that holds the pads in place, and then remove the retaining screw to release the pads. Insert the plastic block supplied with the bleed kit into the caliper to prevent the pistons from operating when fluid is forced through the system.

Ensure the mineral oil does not touch the pads. Contaminating the pads with oil will render them useless. The R785 is supplied with the resin pad. A harder, metal pad, perhaps better suited to wet weather, is also available. The pads shown here have cooling fins mounted (adding just three grams to the weight, according to Shimano’s mechanic).