AVID Elixir 5 bleeding question

Cornish Trekker

Just bought some Elixir 5s second hand, all good. Bled front as it felt like there was too much play in the lever, it didn't feel spongy but you had to pull the lever a long way to get the brakes to bite. rebled as per SRAM guide, slightly better. my question is, can you bleed with the pads still in to give more fluid in the system? or will this make more problems? I am used to a quicker more solid response.i like the bleed spacer idea but i get the gut feeling there isn't enough fluid in the sytem after using this method.

thanks guys

ricardo_smooth

yes you can do it that way, gives a 'new pad' bite with worn pads, just remember when you replace the pads to open the bleed port to be able to retract the pistons back fully and not get any brake rub.

Cornish Trekker

i'll give it a go next, i can always push them back out with new pads as you say.

thanks loads

peter413

Did you let the brakes bed in and made sure the caliper was 100% aligned?

Cornish Trekker

yes, i must say the aligning of the Elixirs is superb compared to older avids. and yes the brakes were bedded in, just rebled with pads in and there is still plenty of clearance but it does feel a bit firmer, i'll do this until i put new pads in then i'll push the pistons out and put the bleed spacer in as per textbook.

peter413

I have to say something doesn't sound right, if you bled it right then there shouldn't be a load of movement in the lever. Look at the rotor and squeeze the lever, if the rotor moves at all you need to realign your caliper.

Cornish Trekker

no it feels good now, like it should but i think the pads need changing to be sure as it doesn't bite as quick as the rear, i've tried sanding them a bit and cleaning the rotor but it is still weaker than the rear.

thanks