Bleeding Avids!

Bleedproof

I've just fitted a new set of Avid Juicy Ultimates and have a couple of questions.

I've been using Avid's for a while now and like the feel of the system. I'm aware that the pads do take a little while to 'bed in' but after fitting my Ultimates I can't help but think that they need a good bleed. The front brake in particular feels soft and both rotors drag.

Both brakes came ready bled but due to a lack of time I've only got round to fitting them... some 5 weeks have passed since I bought them. When I fitted them yesterday I noticed some fluid around the brake lever... too much fluid? air in the system?

That leads me on to my next question.

As they both came with a decent length of hose I need to shorten them. When I come to do this do I have to remove the fluid from the system before I cut the hose to length? This seems like the obvious answer but the video on YouTube makes no mention of this.... just the bleeding process.

Cheers

Stu

nicklouse

you do not need to remove the fluid.

make sure that the calipers are correctly aligned and that the disc is not moving as thebrake is applied as this can case a mushy feel and the pads to drag.

Bleedproof

OK.

The calipers and discs are all aligned. I wen through the alignment process and number of times (loosening the caliper, applying the brake and tightening the bolts down....then torquing) but it seems that no matter what I do, including pade contact etc they're too close.... hmm

Perhaps a bleed will help

nicklouse

loosen bolts apply brake and rotate wheel through at least 360 degrees before retightening the bolts. this allows the caliper to really settle.

Bleedproof

Right.. sounds like what I've been doing and can I.D. where the disc rubs more and rectify this, but when the pads rub through 360 it's hard to get a clean rotations hence my question about the bleed...... any chance the pistons are slightly too far forward?

P.S thanks for the replies

nicklouse

piston position does not matter as they are self adjusting and will settle down as they bed in as long as the calipers are aligned correctly.

dont forget that after every readjustment of the caliper the pads will need to re-bed in.

so make 100% sure of the alignment and go and use.

Bleedproof

OK.. thanks

I'm going to need to shorten the hose, but for now I'll keep an eye on them.

ratty2k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mg6NbIjmOM

stevieboy

My Juicy 5's needed bleeding from new as they were a little short filled.

Got the LBS to do it under after-sales care, however, having watched the video on Sram's youtube site it's a piece of cake to bleed them. I did it the other day, followed the video and paused it step by step until they were done. So easy using the kit. Also did my gf's Oro K18's as they were over-filled, and it is practically the same method.

Best thing to do (IMO) is drain the system, cut the hose and re-fill the system. I know you don't need to drain it, but it's less messy.