I was doing a little service on the Paragon (Trek 2011) and came across something weird with my brakes. They are Avid Elixir 5 that came stock on the bike. I was rolling the bike on it's back wheel and pulled the brakes a couple times. Then the levers ended up going all the way to the bars.
I don't know much about hydraulic brakes, so I have no idea why it would do that, or how to remedy it. Seemed as tho no matter what I did the brakes would not "firm-up." I was fearing that I'd have to bleed the brakes which wouldn't be a problem, 'cept I don't have a bleed kit.
I somehow ended up laying the bike down on it's side and when I pulled it up, I squeezed the brake lever of the end of the bar that was sticking up and could tell there was a little more firmness in the lever. I squeezed it again and a little more. A couple more times and it was back to normal.
I then laid it on it's other side and did the same thing. Sure enough, both brakes are back to normal. Whew!
I may still end up ordering a bleed kit but I don't think I need to do it for a while. Or maybe I should. How often should you bleed brakes?
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Just laying the bike down is a little more than I have seen, but this brake pump is not uncommon. Essentially, there is air in the master cylinder to allow the brake fluid to expand when things get hot (ie. long descents). What you are experiencing is that air getting in the line, and then out when you cycle the lever.
ReplyDeleteGood to know. Thanks. I pumped the levers a bunch of times and they wouldn't work the air out. At least until I laid it on it's side. At least I know it's not a big deal, and how to take care of it.
DeleteIt's also primarily only an issue with Avid products- it's really bad if you have to turn your bike over or other similar things with Avid brakes. I had this same thing with my Juicy 7s this week as well after storing the bike upside down overnight.
ReplyDeleteI guess I never noticed if it ever happened when I store the bike hanging off it's front wheel. Not sure if I've ever pulled the break while it was hanging. Thanks for the info.
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