Avid Juicy Sticking Piston - what to lubricate with ?

[Seight_Returns]

My rear brake seems to be dragging.

Took the pads out and one of the pistons seems very reluctant to retract. Hooping that lubricating it and working it a few times might help. Not sure what to lubricate it with - obviously don't want to use anything that will contaminate the pads. What should I use ? brake fluid ?

[gazza285]

Bin liner, followed by a liberal application of another manufacturers brake.

[Gren]

Nothing wrong with Avid brakes. The newer (on-Juicy) ones anyway. I'd try some chain lube but obviously clean up well afterwards.

[CocoUK]

I use the same DOT5.1 brake fluid that I bleed the system with, as long as your not ham-fisted and use a cotton-bud it's a fairly 'clean' process. Any excess can be mopped up with cotton wool buds/pads afterwards.

It may take a few attempts but if no dice try a seal kit.
Avid Elixir Caliper Service Kit

I've certainly had my difficult times with Avid brakes but once you build a bit of experience (& patience) there is no need to buy a new setup.


Just to add: be careful with what you use as it could ruin the seals.

[ducgas]

I had the same problems with my avid juicy brakes last year and tried unsuccessfully to soak them with brake fluid in a bag. In the end I bought a service kit and replaced the pistons and seals. I had problems getting the old pistons out and ended up using dremmel kit to cut them out, obviously you need to be very careful if you have to do this. Bought a syringe bleed kit from EBay to bleed them. Good luck!

[SuperNiceBig]

Just had same thing on my Avids. Not having the usual reservoir style doesn't help. Take the pads out and pump the piston out. You'll not get it out otherwise. Apparently you shouldn't lube the seal with brake fluid as this makes them swell. Have done it though. There is a Vaseline type lube for this. Bought a £10 bleed kit of eBay, read instructions, checked SRAM You Tube videos. All made sense and worked fine.

[SuperNiceBig]

Just had same thing on my Avids. Not having the usual reservoir style doesn't help. Take the pads out and pump the piston out. You'll not get it out otherwise. Apparently you shouldn't lube the seal with brake fluid as this makes them swell. Have done it though. There is a Vaseline type lube for this. Bought a £10 bleed kit of eBay, read instructions, checked SRAM You Tube videos. All made sense and worked fine.

[Seight_Returns]

Thanks All.

A gave it a blast with some silicone lubricant, worked the pistons in and out a few times, left it to soak for a couple of hours, cleaned it up and put a new set of pads in (mangled the set that were there levering them apart with a screwdriver pushing the pistons back in). Rode it around the car park a few times and its better but not perfect - maybe the lubricant will loosen them up after it gets some heat into the calliper after a proper ride - but I suspect a rebuild with new pistons and seals is on the cards.

People seem to be very critical of these brakes here and elsewhere - mine have been fine upto now over the course of 4 years, 6000 miles and 3 sets of pads - but maybe I've just been lucky.

[Justin S]

I have just ordered 2 pairs of new pistons and seals for £14 from Chain , as after 6 years they could do with a proper service. I usually just run lube round the pistons every 6 months, but just going to give them a good stripdown.