[grnxb]

I have some avid juicy carbon brakes that aren't working entirely right. They worked great for the first year, then the bike sat on the rack in the garage for about 1.5 years. The front brake marginally works and the rear is questionable. It seems like the rear caliper works (or wants to work) but I am having real trouble at the master/cylinder/lever. I bought a new bleed kit and it isn't helping. I asked a fellow at Performance about possibly replacing some internal parts on the lever and he advised me not to. It could be something easy/simple/cheap to fix, but I don't know.

I think I'm ready to give up as I'm not as mechanically inclined as I could be. I'd like to go with a mechanical disc set up. Is there anyone out there that has a mech disc set up that they aren't using and maybe want to trade? I'd be throwing in the week-old bleed kit.

 

[h2ojunkie]

They aren't closing or opening? Is there any power if they do actuate?

 

[Phillbo]

rust ?

 

[grnxb]

It seems like I can pump fluid from the rear caliper towards the lever just fine, but fluid doesn't want to go in the master cylinder from the brake line. (piston isn't moving at the caliper) I can add fluid at the bleed screws into the master cylinder, but the fluid doesn't want to leave the master cylinder. I didn't see any rust anywhere. There isn't any resistance when I try to pump the lever after bleeding.

 

[jdpowers]

It seems like I can pump fluid from the rear caliper towards the lever just fine, but fluid doesn't want to go in the master cylinder from the brake line. (piston isn't moving at the caliper) I can add fluid at the bleed screws into the master cylinder, but the fluid doesn't want to leave the master cylinder. I didn't see any rust anywhere. There isn't any resistance when I try to pump the lever after bleeding.

Sounds like you have air in your lines. You sure the bleed was good? Maybe take it to a bike shop to do the bleed (it can be hard the first time)? Could be a cheap/easy fix.

 

[grnxb]

Sounds like you have air in your lines. You sure the bleed was good? Maybe take it to a bike shop to do the bleed (it can be hard the first time)? Could be a cheap/easy fix.

I initially thought/hoped that there was air in the lines, but when I had the syringes hooked up at the caliper and lever, I couldn't push or suck anything through. No air, no fluid, nothing. I followed the directions in the manual that came with the bleed kit, along with the sram tech videos on youtube. The front caliper and lever bled pretty easily and it seems to be the same bleeding technique for the front and rear.

I think I'm done with the whole setup at this point and if there is anyone that would like to tinker with these hydros, I would love to trade for a working mech disc set up.

 

[Phillbo]

don't go mechanical just because you are frustrated... take it to a real bike shop to have it looked at.

 

[az1jeff]

Stuck piston(s)? After sitting for so long it's possible one or both pistons are simply stuck. Remove the pads and install avid or some spacer between the pistons. Carefully put a few drops (not more) of brake fluid on the outside diameter of the pistons. Just enough that it works itself around the piston(s) into their bores. After you're confident the fluid has worked itself around the piston, gently squeeze your lever while watching the pistons to see if they "unstick." Don't forget to clean the fluid out of there before you re-install your pads.
Jeff

 

[jdpowers]

I initially thought/hoped that there was air in the lines, but when I had the syringes hooked up at the caliper and lever, I couldn't push or suck anything through. No air, no fluid, nothing. I followed the directions in the manual that came with the bleed kit, along with the sram tech videos on youtube. The front caliper and lever bled pretty easily and it seems to be the same bleeding technique for the front and rear.

I think I'm done with the whole setup at this point and if there is anyone that would like to tinker with these hydros, I would love to trade for a working mech disc set up.

I dont have a trade for you but if you just want to unload them for some cash PM me. Jensonusa.com has a good deal on BB7s (the best IMO) and I have some levers I can put in the mix if you want (Ti avids I think).