Oh shit what have i done?! (Avid Elixir 3s)
Sammiye
Posts: 61
...And Can i sort it out myself?!
So I was attempting to realign my girlfriend's calipers/brakepads using the old elastic band round the lever job. Figured i'd sorted it out ok as it wasnt rubbing too bad, but still a little bit. I noticed two extra allen bolts on the caliper itself and thought these might give me some finer adjustment. I opened them up slowly, and a few drops of fluid dripped out. Tightened them up super quick but now the brake lever is really spongy and doesn't really work properly.
What have i done? (presumably i've let the brake fluid out inadvertently) and can i just top it up or does it now need to be bled and all that.
Not particularly mechanically minded but I can manage basic maintenance etc etc. I'll gladly have a go at bleeding it all but as its my girlfriend, she's rather i fuck my bike up first i think!
Any suggestions would be helpful. If i were to take it into the LBS, how much would they charge roughly for a brake bleed/adjust.
Cheers!
So I was attempting to realign my girlfriend's calipers/brakepads using the old elastic band round the lever job. Figured i'd sorted it out ok as it wasnt rubbing too bad, but still a little bit. I noticed two extra allen bolts on the caliper itself and thought these might give me some finer adjustment. I opened them up slowly, and a few drops of fluid dripped out. Tightened them up super quick but now the brake lever is really spongy and doesn't really work properly.
What have i done? (presumably i've let the brake fluid out inadvertently) and can i just top it up or does it now need to be bled and all that.
Not particularly mechanically minded but I can manage basic maintenance etc etc. I'll gladly have a go at bleeding it all but as its my girlfriend, she's rather i fuck my bike up first i think!
Any suggestions would be helpful. If i were to take it into the LBS, how much would they charge roughly for a brake bleed/adjust.
Cheers!
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Comments
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p.s. nice swear correction bikeradar...
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You have split the caliper and probably let air in. Top up and bleed needed.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
London Calling on Facebook
Parktools0 -
With a training course on brakes before you touch them again!
SimonCurrently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0 -
Yeah tell me about it! in trouble with the lady.
any ideas on rough costs a bike shop might charge for bleed?0 -
Wouldn't it be easier to phone them and ask? Or look on Youtube - it's pretty easy to do.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
London Calling on Facebook
Parktools0 -
A shop shouldn't be charging more than a tenner, it's an easy 10 mins job (I have juicy 5's and a pucka bleed kit), some will charge less.
SimonCurrently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0 -
get a cheap bleed kit off the ebay and follow the videos on youtube. it is easy and really satisfying. dont get the new brake fluid in your eye, otherwise you be a zombie0
