Avid Elixir Brake stays on!

Alphafloor

My rear brake won't release and stays on.

I noticed on my last ride the brake seemed to be rubbing a lot against the disk from both pads. I went to go for a ride today and found that the pads are now firmly against the disk. Managed to get the pads out and wheel off finally and it seems the pistons aren't fully flush and I can't get them to do so.

Am I being really daft or is this easily sorted, bleed etc.

Cheers

nicklouse

What has been done to the brakes?

Let's some fluid out via the lever bleed screw. Take care not to drip on the front disc.

Alphafloor

nicklouse wrote:

What has been done to the brakes?

Nothing. I've ridden the bike for a year without any problems or (major) crashes.

nicklouse wrote:

Let's some fluid out via the lever bleed screw. Take care not to drip on the front disc.

I'll give that a go thanks.

cooldad

Before you do try setting the pistons back - stick a big screwdriver in (leave the pads in in case you wreck anything) and turn it like a key.

The Rookie

Better still use the wedge shaped Avid pad seperator and push it in.....

Alphafloor

Ok. Tried all of the above with some success.

I'm guessing now that as it was a problem that got slowly worse over time there must be air in the system that has expanded with the rise in temperature.

This would require a bleed.

cooldad

If you have a 'soft' lever they may need bleeding, but it doesn't sound like it.