Avid Elixer bleed help...

[The Riding Realtor]

Morning,

 

I decided to try changing my brake pads on my MTB myself. Shouldn't be too difficult, right! I followed some tutorials all over the interwebs, and pieced together the how to's.

 

Firstly, I did the front wheel, where I ran into the one piston not going deep enough into the caliper, no matter what I tried. Q20, and numerous in and outs, still not all the way. So, I released the bleed screw on the brake lever, and let a few drops out. Very gradual, keep an eye on progress. And success.

 

So, back wheel, same issue. I went through the same process. However, to get the pistons in deep enough, it felt like I had to lose more fluid. As, every time I pushed them into the calipers, they slowly pushed out again. In the end, I think I lost too much fluid. I confirmed this by, after I installed the pads, and replaced the wheel, the stroke on the lever was too much. No real pressure / resistance.

 

Now, next plan is to replace the fluid. What tools do I need for this?

 

Avid Elixir 3's.

[PeterF]

You will need an Avid Bleed kit.  And I've found that this procedure works the best -

 

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/tech-tuesday-bleeding-avid-brakes-2010.html

[MTB ker]

Peter's advice is spot on. I bought a bleed kit from CWC, it works as per the instructions but can be frustrating. It took me 3 attempts to get my back (Avid Elixir 5) to feel right. Apparently the Avids are famous for been difficult to bleed. Good luck.

[The Riding Realtor]

Cool! I saw the bleed kits, but as I always do, I hoped there was a more MacGuyver move to attempt. Using an old Jungle oats box, and Pony hair strands..

 

Will attempt, and revert with feedback! CWC, see you this afternoon.. 

[Mojoman]

Cool! I saw the bleed kits, but as I always do, I hoped there was a more MacGuyver move to attempt. Using an old Jungle oats box, and Pony hair strands..

 

Will attempt, and revert with feedback! CWC, see you this afternoon.. 

I had elixir 3's on my last bike, I used some rainbird mist nozzle thingys from the local co-op, some tubing and 2 syringes. Google around a bit and do a fair bit of reading on how to bleed to Elixirs and it should be fine.

 

 

[The Riding Realtor]

There it is!!!

[watsonr]

From my experience, the best thing to do is take those Avids off and throw them in the bin. Had numerous headaches with my wife's bike but no disasters until last week. Mechanic had to rebleed after each stage of wines 2 whales race last week and on the final stage the rear brake didn't work at all for the last 20km's. Needless to say, bike is at LBS and a set of SLX brakes are being installed.

[PeterF]

From my experience, the best thing to do is take those Avids off and throw them in the bin. Had numerous headaches with my wife's bike but no disasters until last week. Mechanic had to rebleed after each stage of wines 2 whales race last week and on the final stage the rear brake didn't work at all for the last 20km's. Needless to say, bike is at LBS and a set of SLX brakes are being installed.

Let's not start another I hate Avid's thread. So the seals probably packed up, they are replaceable.  SLX's are not.

[Wannabe]

Eish, not able to maintain his (her) equipment properly, now it's the Avid's fault!!  

 

Soos my gryse Ou Vader altyd gesê het. "'n Slegte vakman blameer altyd sy "tools" 

[Wannabe]

_{Weevil_K,  learn how to properly bleed those Avids, make sure there is no air in the system and you will be a happy camper.}

_{Had Juicy Three's and now Elixer R's, not a days problem after 5 years of riding. Stops in time, everytime}

[The Riding Realtor]

Hehe, Thanks guys.

 

I am excited to get home this afternoon, and get this sorted out!  

 

Last question... Brake fluid? From where? Which ones work best? Normal ones from the garage?

[Wannabe]

Dot 5.1. Get some from Midas.

[droo]

Get the Avid kit, it makes life a million times easier. Comes with fluid as well. Avids are notoriously tricky to get right as it is, you don't want to make life any more difficult for yourself with a Heath Robinson bleed kit.

 

You'll thank me later.

[Wannabe]

There is a brilliant Vid on youtube about the correct Avid bleeding procedure.

Download it and save it. Watch it a few times before attempting the bleed. It will save you a lot of effort. Difficult to do right the first time, so try and eliminate any mistakes.

Once bled properly, Avid's are the bomb.

Biggest plus, they can be serviced if anything should go wrong.

[Riario]

You will need an Avid Bleed kit.  And I've found that this procedure works the best -

 

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/tech-tuesday-bleeding-avid-brakes-2010.html

BEST video EVER!!!!!

 

This step is VERY IMPORTANT....." There are two quick tips you can do to help remove any bubbles in the system: gently tapping the line and lever with the handle of a screw driver can knock bubbles free, as can flicking the brake lever slightly to release any air that is clinging to the piston......"

[Alouette3]

Whats the going rate on a set of Elixir 5 replacement bladder seals? Tried bleeding mine yesterday, and it's pulling air through the lever seals!

 

Those irrigation barbs and a syringe work fine to bleed Avids, but not as simple and hassle free as the proper Avid bleed kit.