Problem changing brake pads

jndb72

Hi,

Tried changing my front break pads this afternoon and I've run into a problem. I removed the wheel and gently pushed back the pistons using a flat head screwdriver (with the old pads still in). I then put the new pads in. This is where the problem starts, the pistons don't seems to be fully pushed back into the caliper. They are sticking out a few mm. When the wheel is then fitted it won't spin freely. I tried loosening the caliper, holding the brake and then re-tightining the caliper but still the same problem. Also, it seems when I manage to get 1 piston flush with the caliper it pops the other side out.

The brakes are Avid Elixir 3

Help....this is doing me swede in.

Cheers

allthegearnoidea

i'd be tempted to try a couple of things, firstly pop the old pads in and try and get the pistons in as much as possible, (atleast you know that if you push one in and the other comes out that they are free moving) then it couldbe a case of spending som time to get the caliper centered, can take 5 mins, can take an hour! te loon bolts, squeeze lever and tighten up doesnt Always work, if your finding its takingfor eer to do,grab a cuppa, chill for ten and go back, every time ive done this its worked hahahh!
(there is apossability that there may be Tiny amount too much fluid in the brakes?? bt knowin avid can bea Real pita to bleed up nice, i'davoid that thought for as long as possible!!)

jndb72

That was my conclusion - too much fluid maybe.

With the pads out I can gently squeeze the brake and the pisons seem to move freely - they just won't retreat back flush with the caliper.

I've also tried re-centering the caliper - but with the same problem

Cheers

The Rookie

Sounds like the system has been overfilled by 'bleeding' when the pistons weren't pushed all the way in, remove bleed port screw at lever and then push the pistons back catching the overspill......

jndb72

The Beginner wrote:

Sounds like the system has been overfilled by 'bleeding' when the pistons weren't pushed all the way in, remove bleed port screw at lever and then push the pistons back catching the overspill......

Cheers, I'll give that a go.

cooldad

But if the previous pads fitted, and no fluid has been added since, the new ones should fit.
Try using a big screwdriver with the old pads in and turn it like a key, so it pushes both pads at the same time before you start messing with fluid.

The Rookie

viewtopic.php?f=10004&t=12845025&p=17531134&hilit=bleed+avid#p17531134

The OP's second post.... even more convinced they are overfilled now!