hydraulic disk locked.....

Matutu · 20 Jun 2013 at 09:11

Hey Guys,

Not used my Trance is a month or so as I have been too busy, but yesterday was so hot I got it out and popped up to a colleagues house to run through some work etc.

Got up there in 10mins everything was fine however I did find that the rear break level was significantly more harsh. Then left it outside for about and hour or so, then when I came out to ride back the back wheel was completely locked!!!! The rear brake level was not movable and it resulted in me pumping the brake level for 2mins until it finally was just able to turn with a lot of pedal power to get me home!!!

Anyone know how to fix this? I have taken some photos of the model etc.

Didnt know if it was just a case of venting slightly?

Thanks.

Matutu · 20 Jun 2013 at 11:03

Just thought, I know it was very stiff/harsh at the start so something must have been up then. However when I left it, it was in the sun....... could this have caused it by heating up the fluid?

Clawz114 · 20 Jun 2013 at 16:35

It could have absorbed moisture as Avid use DOT fluid.

What I would do:
I would undo any adjusters it may have on the lever (such as the lever reach etc, so everything is in the most 'relaxed' position) and then find the bleed port on the brake lever. Slowly undo this (without pulling the lever) and fluid will probably immediately begin to seep out on it's own. Tighten it back up as soon as some fluid exits and see how the brake feels. Repeat this process until there is enough pressure released from the system to allow the pads to part. Make sure you have a rag nearby to wipe up the oil that comes out. You should wear gloves too really when dealing with DOT fluid but as long as you give them a good wash straight afterwards, they aren't essential in this case.

Proper fix:
Re-bleed the brake.

Matutu · 20 Jun 2013 at 19:03

Anyone know where the bleed port is on these brakes?

Thanks

Clawz114 · 20 Jun 2013 at 21:31

On the Elixir 5 I'm pretty sure it's a little torx bolt on the little bulge near where the hose goes into the lever body. If you look at your first picture, you can see the bulge just above the word 'Elixir' in the white block on the left. Undo that very slowly until a tiny bit of fluid dribbles out. Hold a rag underneath to catch it and then tighten it back up. Then pull the lever/spin the wheel and see if it's any better.

W!ll · 20 Jun 2013 at 22:01

Sounds like issues with the fluid or the in reality the fact it is an avid... Remove the rear wheel, loosen the bleed port ever so slightly with a rag right beside it to absorb the fluid that will come out and then while it is open lever the pads/pistons back to the full in position, close the port, refit wheel and use bike. The bleed port is the small torx headed bolt on the calliper left hand side, you can see it in the photo.

Failing that get someone with the avid bleed kit or a shop to bleed the brake properly for you, this will give the best results.

Matutu · 21 Jun 2013 at 10:58

Thanks guys, released the bleed port and pump the brake slightly, clean it up and its all back to normal!!!

Only bugger was a tiny drop got on the disc....... welcome to squealy hell!

Nexus · 21 Jun 2013 at 11:34

W!ll said:
Sounds like issues with the fluid or the in reality the fact it is an avid...

Probably this.

The Avid Elixir CRs I fitted to my mountain bike a few years back are incredibly flaky compared to others I've used. I bought their official consumer bleed kit and I'm forever messing about with it trying to get them just right. I've always wondered whether I would be best conceding and going to a bike shop, or whether they are going to find the same and I would be better buying some other brakes. They are extremely powerful and look great, but they are just very fiddly.