[Bikeeveryday]

Every winter, my brakes lose power. And they start squealing like they are contaminated. When I look at the back of the pad, there is a wet ring. Looks like brake fluid. But no matter how many times I rebuild my avid juicy carbons, every winter it seems like they leak again. Could it be because I'm using castrol gt lma fluid? It is not 5.1, it is dot 3/4. The brakes will be fine all summer, but when it starts to get cold (20 degrees Fahrenheit) they seem to leak.

What should I do about this?

 

[XSL_WiLL]

Cold temperature could result in the seals becoming less pliable. Or the different materials (caliper vs piston vs seal) could undergo contraction (and expansion while heated during braking) at different rates. This could cause the leak. As it warms up, the rubber may become more pliable again, the leak may remedy itself.

Are you riding them on the road? Salt on the road could explain the loss of power.

 

[jeffscott]

Every winter, my brakes lose power. And they start squealing like they are contaminated. When I look at the back of the pad, there is a wet ring. Looks like brake fluid. But no matter how many times I rebuild my avid juicy carbons, every winter it seems like they leak again. Could it be because I'm using castrol gt lma fluid? It is not 5.1, it is dot 3/4. The brakes will be fine all summer, but when it starts to get cold (20 degrees Fahrenheit) they seem to leak.

What should I do about this?

Yup brakes will leak a bit in the cold 20F is pretty warm for this to happen though....

My XTR's can get way down -20 C before that may or may not happen....

First thing that happens is the fluid contracts, so the reservior gets low, then a little bit of air can get in the brake...

Then I will always get some snow, salt or muck on the rotors....

Then I will pull really hard on the lever to get them to stop...

Bingo I get a leak again only if it is really cold...

If on the other hand I fill the reservior, when it is a little cold and right full...the problem tends to be solved....

Don't know squat about your brakes though.