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The original pads were down to the metal and the only pads I could get hold of are (SRAM) Avid XX. Research suggests they are one and the same pads but they were a bugger to put in. I pushed the pistons all the way back with some difficulty but they are [b]really[/b] binding now. Will they wear in of are Avid brakes as crap as they've always been?
Potentially some water or air has been absorbed into the system, may need a bleed with the new pads to get them running well again.
In my experience the best fix for avid brakes is as follows: throw them away, buy shimano.
Very unhelpful.
Yes, all elixir models are the same, as are the new SRAM/avid collaboration, except the trail.
With that done, it sounds like you may need to pish the pistons back a little further, or you may have sticky pistons. A little dot oil on the pistons around the seals will help. Make sure to clean them well before putting your new pads on.
The other option is, have you realigned the caliper? Give that a go first.
A bleed could be in order, as if you're down to metal you may have a little air in the system.
Don't throw them away, Avid brakes are great. To make your life even easier, pop to your lbs and get them to bleed them and set them up.
Open the torx bolt a little bit on the caliper. When you push the pistons back into the body a little fluid will come out. As mentioned its a bit of air in the fluid. Don't worry though as once you've pushed the pistons back and 're tightened this bolt you hopefully won't need to bleed and the pads will sit back away from the rotor.
Thanks very much. Much appreciated.
Open the torx bolt a little bit on the caliper. When you push the pistons back into the body a little fluid will come out.
I wouldn't, you're displacing oil with air. That's not going to end well. You need to bleed the air out, and replace with oil.
Local Bike Shop time I recommend.
I wouldn't, you're displacing oil with air.
As long as you don't suck air into the system while you push the pistons back you'll have no problem.
I've done this many times. It works just fine.
Why would you pay for at least an hour of LBS's time without at least trying this?
Worth trying to bleed them it's not a complicated procedure.
The kits can had from ebay.
I'm with Andy Sweet and Iolo - ideally get another brand, I've seen that issue with so many Avid calipers.
I've been forced to release some fluid from the system, as the only way out on a trail to fit new pads. Maybe best to then bleed in the near future.
Is one of your pads worn much more than the other......?
As long as you don't suck air into the system while you push the pistons back you'll have no problem.
But hang on, if the system is filled with oil so that it has the right amount to allow the pads clearance when new pads are in. Then, if there's less clearance, there is likely air in the system due to boiling, or dodgy seals.
So, if you remove oil, you're left with oil with air bubbles in the system.
Eventually the pads will wear down, and the lever will pull to the bar. Possibly even before then.
Then the OP will be on STW to slag off Avid for not working properly.
why not fix the problem properly? Instead of covering it up?
It's people who don't do the right thing that whinge about things going wrong, when it's user error.
Buy a bleed kit from Epic Solutions for £14.99, or take them to a shop and have it done for about that.
But, please, don't bodge it by removing fluid from the system.
Sums it up for me Rickon. Used nothing but avid for around 11 years now and not had any issues they've been the best I've owned. That said I never had issues with Hope either but prefer the feel of my Avids.
But hang on, if the system is filled with oil so that it has the right amount to allow the pads clearance when new pads are in. Then, if there's less clearance, there is likely air in the system due to boiling, or dodgy seals.
Amen.
Car brakes have a big reservoir that goes down over the life of your pads for this reason.
Remove pads, check pistons fully home (old pads and big screwdriver is usual method) and then either insert bleed blocks or reassemble and bleed properly with clean fluid, planning to do it twice to flush all the old stuff out.
Follow the sheet that comes with your Epic kit to the letter and job done.
I don't understand why Avid brakes get so much hate. I'll happily accept shiney brake sets people want to bin, though.