Cleaning Avid Mechs??

Fattirewilly said:

Is there a recommended method for cleaning the Avid Mech calipers to keep them working smoothly. I'll try to avoid soaking the whole thing in a can of degreaser unless otherwise recommended.

Click to expand...

I have never had to do anything but clean the muck out of the caliper slot. Been using them since the day they came out.

shiggy??? said:

I have never had to do anything but clean the muck out of the caliper slot. Been using them since the day they came out.

Click to expand...

Well I don't exactly have a problem (well an adjuster knob fell off and I need pliers to adjust), but I figured I try some preventive maintenance since the caliper was just sitting on the workbench.

Shiggy- your bracket was mailed this morning.

Fattirewilly said:

Well I don't exactly have a problem (well an adjuster knob fell off and I need pliers to adjust), but I figured I try some preventive maintenance since the caliper was just sitting on the workbench.

Shiggy- your bracket was mailed this morning.

Click to expand...

The one thing I do clean/lube is the threads of the fixed pad "piston". I just use a little wax lube to keep it moving easily (remove both pads first).

Too bad you did not mention the knob sooner. I have a spare sitting in my tool box (found it at a trailhead).

shiggy??? said:

Too bad you did not mention the knob sooner. I have a spare sitting in my tool box (found it at a trailhead).

Click to expand...

I could uh ...mail you some postage and a self addressed envelope???

Check out...

Avid's website. In the Tech area there's the instructions for overhauling.

I had never ever neded to do anything but changing pads. The calipers are just more reliable than a Willys.

Avid squielllse

I have a loose pad on the front? I have been trying to make it go away, the outside pad seems to disengauge from the caliper, are ther any fixes for it?
Also any good tuning sites I am always shooting in the dark trying to get these totally dialed in????

rick haddonfield said:

I have a loose pad on the front? I have been trying to make it go away, the outside pad seems to disengauge from the caliper, are ther any fixes for it?
Also any good tuning sites I am always shooting in the dark trying to get these totally dialed in????

Click to expand...

Justg follow by the letter Av'id instructions. Nothing more. They are THAT straightforwards.

Which version are yours?? Pre-'02 or Post-'02??

If yours are '01 or earlier, you might need another piston as the magnets should not be keeping the pad in place.
If yours are '02 or latter then your retention pad spring is most probably fried.