Leaking Avid Elixir5's

[JXV]

You need Shimano brakes because they run on mineral oil and will NEVER corrode internally.

 

Dot fluid based brakes can corrode internally because dot fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs water from the atmosphere while in storage and even (slowly) while in your braking system. Over time you will get internal corrosion if the brake fluid is not changed at least annually.

 

Also when rebuilding, even a single hair or fibre under a seal will make it leak. You might also have a leaking hose joint, cracked O ring or faulty banjo bolt if the brakes are leaking out in storage.

 

Rear brakes are often more complex to bleed, because of the longer cable with high points that can trap air. It may help to orient the bike vertically during the bleed to assist removal of bubbles.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Wannabe]

And then there is some like me, only too happy with my Avids.

 

Got a set of Juicy 3's doing duty on a friends bike, a set of Elixer R's (as spares in my cupboard) after I replaced them with a set of X0's I got for a song. 

 

All three brakesets working like a dream, not a days issues with them.

[CdT85]

If you're willing (and able) to try some DIY find an exploded diagram, some clean white paper and take the lever apart.

 

My guess is an incorrectly installed olive (as already mentioned) or damaged seals.

 

Here's a couple of diagrams.

 

http://www.roteccycles.co.uk/avid-elixir-5-cr-r-internal-lever-service-kit-2526-p.asp

 

I'm a pretty hands on person, so rebuilt them myself. followed the Sram service guide to the t and did all the relevant google/youtube research. I did everything except the hoses and the bleed, so my gut tells me that the fault might be there.

 

Just worry some that before and after the rebuild, the lever leaked. Kinda worried that the body itself might be compromised?

[PeterF]

If they are leaking where the hose goes into the lever then pretty much the only thing it can be is the olive, as it the olive's job to provide the seal at this point.

 

I recently bought a set of Deore's from a hubber and the rear brake was leaking where the hose goes into the lever and it was the olive.  This is not a Sram/Shimano issue.

[dirtypot]

Cant. Post. Negatively. About. Avid *coughshitcough*...  aaaarrrghh!!   

 

Well, in that case, good luck.  You'll need it...  

[CdT85]

If they are leaking where the hose goes into the lever then pretty much the only thing it can be is the olive, as it the olive's job to provide the seal at this point.

 

I recently bought a set of Deore's from a hubber and the rear brake was leaking where the hose goes into the lever and it was the olive.  This is not a Sram/Shimano issue.

 

What I am thinking and hoping as well...

[PeterF]

Cant. Post. Negatively. About. Avid *coughshitcough*...  aaaarrrghh!! 

 

Well, in that case, good luck.  You'll need it...  

Why not?  Come on, this is the Bikehub!!

[cfcjim]

If they are leaking where the hose goes into the lever then pretty much the only thing it can be is the olive, as it the olive's job to provide the seal at this point.

 

I recently bought a set of Deore's from a hubber and the rear brake was leaking where the hose goes into the lever and it was the olive.  This is not a Sram/Shimano issue.

Wot he said...

[CdT85]

You need Shimano brakes because they run on mineral oil and will NEVER corrode internally.

 

Dot fluid based brakes can corrode internally because dot fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs water from the atmosphere while in storage and even (slowly) while in your braking system. Over time you will get internal corrosion if the brake fluid is not changed at least annually.

 

Also when rebuilding, even a single hair or fibre under a seal will make it leak. You might also have a leaking hose joint, cracked O ring or faulty banjo bolt if the brakes are leaking out in storage.

 

Rear brakes are often more complex to bleed, because of the longer cable with high points that can trap air. It may help to orient the bike vertically during the bleed to assist removal of bubbles.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

As I said, I have a set of shimano's on my other bike. I stay away from bleeding mtb brakes as I still have to invest in a proper bleeding kit. So had my shimanos rebled  twice after the intial bleed when the hoses where shortened. And they are still giving issues.

 

Yet 6 years, riding, 5 dfferent sets of Avids and no issues. only set number 6 now giving me grief...

[Rocket-Boy]

You need Shimano brakes because they run on mineral oil and will NEVER corrode internally.

 

 

They will also fade after boiling on that really long downhill and leave you dangling from the trees at the bottom.

 

Its Friday, my work here is done.

[CdT85]

They will also fade after boiling on that really long downhill and leave you dangling from the trees at the bottom.

 

Its Friday, my work here is done.

 

Give that man a bells!!    my sentiment exactly

[rouxtjie]

ooh the irony...carry on

[CdT85]

ooh the irony...carry on

 

At this rate I might soon reach your 1000 post count...  

[JXV]

 

 

So had my shimanos rebled twice after the intial bleed when the hoses where shortened. And they are still giving issues.....

Incompetent workmanship. Not the brake's fault. Woulda been the same if that guy shortened your Avid hoses.....

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[CdT85]

Incompetent workmanship. Not the brake's fault. Woulda been the same if that guy shortened your Avid hoses.....

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

two different shops involved. tried another shop to do my avids due to the issues I have been having with my shimanos

[JXV]

They will also fade after boiling on that really long downhill and leave you dangling from the trees at the bottom.

 

Its Friday, my work here is done.

Yeah....water laced dot fluid boils at a much lower temp than clean dot fluid which boils about the same temp as shimano brake oil but some people go and put any old oil in them which may not be formulated for a high boiling point....

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk