Using water inside HS-33s

[mikeschiavone]

Alright, so I bled the line last night and used tap water instead. The brake feels much nicer/easier, but I'm worried because I didn't use oil around the seals, or antifreeze, or chicken grease or what ever else it is you're supposed to use. What problems, both short and long term, have people had when only using tap water? Freezing? Seals not worked? Increased bleeding?

[KMT]

You should have used destilled water.
It will freeze under 0 °C.
Put antifreeze if you use it when it's cold.

I used water only in summer, without any problems, but i think that maguras don't like it...
Now, using v brakes, having no problem at all. :)

[durkie]

i think the problem that usually happens is the seals dry up and crack/leak. given that it's just a little o-ring it seems like it'd be worth it if water in your lines is that nice.

[ONE EYE]

I think the reason that you should use distilled water is because of the chemicals in the tap water causes corrosion.

Also using the anti-freeze not only keeps it from freezing in the winter, but it also lubercates the seals some what. Not as good of a job as lube does though.

Matt.

[Fabi]

I have a HS33 lying around that has been used with destillated water for about one year. The water started to freeze when riding in low temperatures. Now the friction in the system is very high. The pistons need ages to get back in the basic position.
My advice: If you really want to use Maggies bleed them with oil

[Elan]

graham bled his with tap water and they are the best feeling maguras ever. rides all season in colorado weathers. water is good.

[mistri@l]

graham bled his with tap water and they are the best feeling maguras ever. rides all season in colorado weathers. water is good.

:h5:
werd
yah same here
well i used bottled water and antifreeze
my brakes have never been better :naughty:

[sethman]

i bled mine over a year ago and my maggies feel great. verry stiff and the water is less dense than the oil so the pads acualy retreat alittle quicker, you can barely tell though.just make sure you use distilled water though , im not sure but i think tap can get little air bubbles in it too.i go water

sethman

[spoke2570]

You can get really thin shock oil. It will keep the seals happy, improve the response and have no issues with freezing or corrosion. I think blood is around 8wt. 2.5wt is easy to get at most motorcycle shops for like 5 to 7 bucks a liter.

pete b

[weebryan]

i prefer anti freeze cause u can bleed the brakes submerged in water and that way no air gets in

[Bambwe]

Distillated water and anti freeze, 50.50 is surely a good mix . If you put only water in the brake, you'll have problems cause even distillated, waters not 'pure' like you could expect ..
I had a lever which broke because of it ...

You'd better use Citroen mineral oil, good pads really parallel to your wheel and ginded rims, that'll be great ..

[mikeschiavone]

Thanks for the responses, but I have yet to hear anyone speak of first hand experiences where tap water has damaged their magura system.

To limit the amount of replies, I am fully aware of the benefits and supposed drawbacks. I'm just looking for responses from people who are currently using tap water (thanks Elan/Graham) or have switched from using tap water because of a bad experience.

Thanks y'all.

P.S. Thanks for the hints on brake set-up, but I am fully capable of setting up a perfect set of brakes. This post is limited to first hand, tap water set-up and first hand, tap water problems.

[cogmog]

I ve been riding water in my rear for 3 years. first year tap water, last two distilled, never a leak, never a problem, ride in winter, never froze. Just dont transport bike on roof in winter. On another note, tommorow is supposed to be 70 ! Whats the chances of you comin up to philly?

[mikeschiavone]

Cogmog, thanks for the information; that's what I'm trying to find out. I doubt I can make it up to Philly this weekend. Soon though, soon,..

[mekanic305]

i used water for about a year with no problem.

[Janson]

tap water made my brake shit. it felt like it had seized up a bit, and then it started leaking. brake was around a year old. might be due to shitty english water, ive bled other brakes with crisp nordic water and it has been fine.

[pav]

Magura Royal Blood is around 2.5wt and Magura Blood is around 5wt.

Use WD40!

[KMT]

wd40 is bad for the seals...

[pav]

wd40 is bad for the seals...

So is everything else.