Avid rear disc brake locking up

othello

I have a set of Elixar 5 SL's on my Specialized Camber. I'm having problems with my rear brake, and not sure if it is something fixable, or whether to just bite the bullet and switch to a different brand...

When out riding, if I apply the rear brake for more than a few seconds it locks on i.e. it is full on and I have to pedal to keep the bike moving. So if I drag the rear brake to slow down, after a few seconds the rear brake locks. It takes a couple of minutes and then it releases (slowly).

Could it be heat build up? Though I would expect that to happen after prolonged dragging of the back brake, and not few seconds. Or maybe a sticky calliper?

I know Avids are not the best brakes, and I think I will upgrade at some point. But would like to get a bit more life out of these if possible!

The Rookie

Start with the basics, remove pads, clean up caliper and make sure the system's not not overfilled.

othello

The Rookie wrote:

Start with the basics, remove pads, clean up caliper and make sure the system's not not overfilled.

Thanks, will give that a go and report back

baznav73

As above something wrong either sticky pistons in the caliper or sticky piston in the lever, you can tel if it's the lever as it will be all floppy until the brake releases again.