Chris Timm
Hans Christoph Timm

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Of course you can simply follow the manual supplied with your brake, but note: The manual for the 2001 Gustav M contains one mistake, though. You can either try to obtain a new yellow plastic transport spacer through your local Magura dealer and follow the new 2002 manual (German or English), or follow the steps outlined below.

First determine which model of Magura's famous Gustav M brake you have:
 

1997-2000 model: (a few brakes were made with black lever bodies insted of yellow. Important: Note the rectangular reservoir -instead of oval on models 2001 and beyond) follow old manual German or English

2001 model: (looks identical to 2002 version, but came with black transport spacer) possibly affected by recall: see here follow updated instructions (given below) only

2002 model: (looks identical to 2001 version, but came with yellow transport spacer) follow new manual German or English

It is best to have the bike tilted in a workstand so that the point where the tubing from the lever exits the caliper is at the highest point of the caliper. DO NOT get any fluid on pads or disc! Replace contaminated pads!

The mistake in the 2001 manual: When changing pads, the tubing, or bleeding the brake the manual asks that the pads/slave cylinders be pushed completely back with a pair of pliers. THIS IS INCORRECT! Instead, put the black plastic spacer (used when transporting the bike without the wheels) between the pads and apply pressure to the lever until the spacer is held firmly between the pads. Release the lever and continue as described in the manual.

Here's a step-by-step version:

• Remove wheel
• Wedge spacer between pads
• Mount lever horizontally
• Remove bleed screw and thread filled syringe into threads. Do not touch lever blade until system is closed again!
• Open reservoir
• Pump plenty of fluid through system (it is best to have a second person removing excess fluid from reservoir with second syringe)
• Continue until there are no air bubbles trapped in system (no more bubbles come out at reservoir)
• You can gently tap the caliper to help get out trapped air bubbles
• Fill reservoir to the max
• Replace reservoir cover and screw on. Wipe off excess fluid.
• Remove syringe and replace bleed screw.  Wipe off excess fluid.

Time needed: 4 min 10 sec including unlocking car and getting out tools and supplies (during a race in early 2001 when we discovered that our levers were among those that needed to be replaced).

Again note that this only applies to the 2001 model year! Older Gustavs should be bled as described in the manual.