Avid Elixir 7 repair question

[Sharkcatcher01]

Hi Guys, 

 

While riding recently i noticed my rear brake starting to feel weird and by the end of the ride it was pulling to the bar and not stopping me. 

 

I took the very worn pads out and the piston joined them with some brake fluid. 

 

Is it possible to push the piston back in, chuck in some new pads and bleed the system, or are these brakes now throw away?

 

I have looked for a new seal kit but can't seem to find anything locally, nor on chain reaction. 

 

Is it possible to take the seal out and see if i can get one from a plumbing shop?

 

Thanks, 

[Madone69]

seal and piston kits are available - get your lbs to contact cape cycle systems. i just got for under R200

[enduroist]

Hi Guys, 

 

While riding recently i noticed my rear brake starting to feel weird and by the end of the ride it was pulling to the bar and not stopping me. 

 

I took the very worn pads out and the piston joined them with some brake fluid. 

 

Is it possible to push the piston back in, chuck in some new pads and bleed the system, or are these brakes now throw away?

 

I have looked for a new seal kit but can't seem to find anything locally, nor on chain reaction. 

 

Is it possible to take the seal out and see if i can get one from a plumbing shop?

 

Thanks, 

 

From what I've read it sounds like the brake was squeezed while the pads were out and they are now touching. It should be possible to separate them using a tyre lever or a butter knife. there should be no need to bleed unless the feel is the same after replacing pads.

[popcorn_skollie]

seal and piston kits are available - get your lbs to contact cape cycle systems. i just got for under R200

 

Got elixir kits from cape cycle systems too a couple weeks back. The brakes are discontinued so not something that's always stocked. But I'm sure if you can request them. 

 

From what I've read it sounds like the brake was squeezed while the pads were out and they are now touching. It should be possible to separate them using a tyre lever or a butter knife. there should be no need to bleed unless the feel is the same after replacing pads.

 

I would bleed them none the less. He would have to push the calipers back quite a bit to accommodate thick new pads. Even if they retract far enough the pressure in the hose will cause disc rub at some point. And probably feel spungy too. 

 

@OP. If its more than just pads and a bleed. I suggest you weigh the cost of kits, and full rebuild against the cost of a used set from the classifieds. Chances are you could get a decent working set for cheaper. Then you'll have spares too. 

[Sharkcatcher01]

Got elixir kits from cape cycle systems too a couple weeks back. The brakes are discontinued so not something that's always stocked. But I'm sure if you can request them. 

 

 

I would bleed them none the less. He would have to push the calipers back quite a bit to accommodate thick new pads. Even if they retract far enough the pressure in the hose will cause disc rub at some point. And probably feel spungy too. 

 

@OP. If its more than just pads and a bleed. I suggest you weigh the cost of kits, and full rebuild against the cost of a used set from the classifieds. Chances are you could get a decent working set for cheaper. Then you'll have spares too. 

 

I figured that may be the case with the new seal kit, pads and bleeding, at some point a newer set would be more beneficial than trying to fix the old ones. 

 

I will put them up for sale and maybe they can help someone else instead, and then browse for a new set for myself. 

 

Thanks for the advise guys. 

[porqui]

Just fix them !!

 

Nothing like Elixir brakes they even talk to you.

[Sharkcatcher01]

Just fix them !!

 

Nothing like Elixir brakes they even talk to you.

 

even the guys at Cape Cycle Systems told me its time to upgrade. hahaha

[Alouette3]

For now just clean the seals and press the piston back into place, add new fluid and bleed.

 

DIY bleed kit can be made with, syringe, aquarium tubing and a couple irrigation barbs from the hardware store or nursery.

[porqui]

even the guys at Cape Cycle Systems told me its time to upgrade. hahaha

 

I run a set of Elixir 5's and love them - great modulation and seriously good stopping power and they are serviceable where Shimano is not so if it goes wrong you throw away.

[droo]

Clean everything up and check if there's any wear on the pistons - if there is you'll need the kit.

 

If not, lube the seal with some DOT5.1 or DOT grease, put it back in, and bleed the brake. If it doesn't leak after that you're good to go - just make sure both pistons are moving freely.