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Avid Elixir 5 brakes


snowey's picture

By snowey - Posted on 27 July 2011

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

I have a set of Avid elixir 5 brakes on my Giant anthem x2 2011

They make weird rubbing sounds when i brake, especially my rear brake

is there anything i need to do to make them perfect brakes?

Zoom's picture

Describe the sound a bit. Is it a rapid pulsing sound, like a fast purr?
Also have a close look at your pads, make sure they both project out the same distance, and that they both move when you squeeze the lever.

hawkeye's picture

Buy Shimano XTs Eye-wink

(stands back after lighting blue paper ... LOL!)

Some more information would be useful. Could be a caliper alignment issue, bent rotor, trail crud in the caliper, sticky piston, contaminated pads, worn out pads... Let us know a bit more about when it makes the noise and we should be able to give you a better idea.

Try replacing the pads (remember to push out the pistons) and doing a caiper alignment and see what difference that makes. Clean your disc with automotive disc brake cleaner before fitting.

snowey's picture

there is no rotor rub while riding.
it makes the sound of rotor rubbing while braking, then the brakes lock when i press a little harder on the leaver

haydos's picture

Its pretty common on elixirs, im guessing your referring to whats been called the turkey gobble (as apparently that's what it sounds like) unfortunately the only real permanent fix is to replace the rotors. On my elixirs i have had a little success with sanding down the pads and rotors at regular intervals using some 80grit sandpaper and cleaning them after most rides with some isopropal alcohol. I figure if nothing else people hear me coming Smiling

Jonathan's picture

Also got the problem, hate it so much! I've heard if you change pads, that will rectify the problem. Im planning on changing soon so will let you no how i go and if its successful.

Jono.

snowey's picture

yes im referring to the turkey gobble. thanks for your help Smiling

hawkeye's picture

When riding with Sasc earlier this year on the maze that was Kiwarrak before they signed the XC loop, there was no chance of him taking a wrong turn and us getting separated ... I always knew exactly where he was.

He has Elixirs on his 29er. Eye-wink

hawkeye's picture

Weird... double post. Puzzled

Brian's picture

I had the same issue. I tried pads with no success. I have since put XT discs on and so far so good. I personally think the disc design causes the issue

hawkeye's picture

Looks like I won't proceed with my plan to put some XX rotors on my race wheelset then. Wait for the ice tech rotors to come out on the aftermarket instead.

snowey's picture

tried everything. and guess what... no more rub!!

thanks guys for your help

badchef's picture

this is about your third post on probs with elixers, ditch em for something else!!sticky pistons, shit levers, bad pads, bad rotors, never had probs with juicy 5 or 3, seems avid have dropped the ball in last 2 years?

mtbtom's picture

ditch avid!

Im no guru and expert but from using a set of juicy 5s i will never go back to avid, there brakes were terible. they might be ok with elixirs now but i still wouldnt touch them or take the risk of them failing! Ive used the m770 xt ones and they were great for value, and maintence is simple...what maintence??? now i ride the new m985 xtrs which are something il never leave.. but if you dont want to fork out $300 per end then hang out for the new 775 xt coming out on the 2012 bikes. they arent as light but have the same feel as the new xt so they say. and being lighter and cheaper than the old xt, where can you go wrong!??........

Brian's picture

The biggest problem with Shimano brakes are a lack of colours Sticking out tongue

Discodan's picture

I recently swapped out my well worn juicy 7s for a set of m775 (I think) XTs and am very happy. In a nutshell; they just work. No regular bleeding and binding up on hot days etc etc. The fact that they use mineral oil makes life very easy as well, bleeding is a lot simpler and cleaner now.

The new 2012 XTs look pretty tasty but you can get some older ones for great prices. I picked up a near new take-off set for $170

snowey's picture

ok cheers guys

going to start saving up now Smiling

Zoom's picture

Organic pads have twice the stopping power of steel pads. Make sure you're using organic.

hawkeye's picture

... unless it's wet. Organics disappear before your eyes in wet conditions. Although if you're riding in WA this would be less of an issue than over here.

I tend to use the Shimano metallics. No problems with stopping power - I can still send myself OTB any time I want. I have to warn anyone taking my bike for a test spin who is used to another brand of stopper to watch the brakes - they bite! Laughing out loud

snowey's picture

ive heard seramic pads are the best to use

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