Hey,

Since last posting about a similar subject, it seems the problem has not been sorted.

I have a pair 2008 avid juicy 5 brakes, which I bought from a local bike shop. I fitted them and they were running brilliantly, for a few months, now, the rear one has almost had me at my wit's end. The front is running perfectly though.

It started going spongy, and the lever would travel back to the bar and the brake would just lightly drag at this point. Also, if the bike had been upside down, even for around 3 seconds, it would not work at all.

I asked the knowledgeable masses of this forum and was recommended a simple re-bleed, which was carried out by a well respected local bike shop. The brake felt much better, however it still had a little too much lever travel for my liking. I fitted new pads at this point. Bedding in etc......

After a few weeks, the problem seemed to return, it went spongy, and now once again the lever sails back to the bar, unless it has been rapidly pumped whilst riding some local trails. I f the bike had been in any position other than perfectly on the ground, the brake will not work for ages of pumping.

So I ask you're advice, could it need a proper rebuild? or just a flush out and re-bleed?

Also, possibly related to this problem, my lever seems to flex like mad, and being made of plastic, it doesn't surprise me. This may be making the brake feel worse, so, apart from dangerboy and straightline, can any other levers be fitted to the brake, shorter ideally, (hope / Hayes / etc?)

Wow, I do apologise if that seemed highly long winded, enough caffeine for me!

Thanks

JJ

Thank you for helping me with the question I asked Kurtis.

Does anyone have any soloutions to the issue?

JJ

I will definatly be getting it bled, I would just like to know if anyone else had experienced similar issues. I think a good chat explaining whats been going on to the mechanics at the lbs should help....

Just wondering if its anything more serious than a bleed, eg seals or hose.....

Thanks

JJ

Seals may of gone.. If they're gradually getting worse there may be a loose bolt or a dead seal somewhere. My Motos did that and it was due to the Banjo being abit loose and letting in air. Send them back to avid or a reputable bike shop to get it rebuilt.

Can't say i ever had any luck with Juicys though. Don't think avids are that robust tbh..

This doesn't seem to be filling me with confidence, considering I bought these brakes shortly after they came out, at full rrp too.

Thanks

JJ

TBH you mite as well try some avid BB5 or 7's lol
the mechanical ones i know loads of kids who ride um on street rigs and they work amazingly
alltho the hayes mech brake is sposed to be the best on the market im not to sure

Yeah I remember reading in the adevert for the new elixirs (published by SRAMakaAvid) that juicy damaged its own seals, hence the black flakes/bits that come out when you bleed them. This means that the seals need replacing, although they didn't go into details of what the symptoms of this were...

I've got Juicy 7s and have bled both of them. Only had to re-bleed one of them again because i forgot to pump the lever during the bleed.

Yeah, i forgot to add that they are quality brakes