Lost a small circlip on my Elixir 5's. Need some advice.

[phoenixbikes]

I am unfamiliar with the new Avid Elixir 5 brakes. A small clip of some sort broke off the other day. It does not seem like the performance of the (rear) brake has been affected so I'm not sure it's an issue. It was attached to the small allen bolt in the center of the caliper. Here's a pic, and one of the front brake for reference. What are those little clips for ? Is missing one dangerous ?

[MitchD]

It is there in case the allen bolt backs out. The pin keeps the pads aligned in the vertical position.I would go to the local auto parts store with pin in hand and buy some e-rings. Or you can buy some OEM Avid pads they come with new clips but $30 seems a liitle much

[sasquatch rides a SS]

Your LBS should have some extra clips from brake pad swaps. I always save my pins and clips after replacing pads just in case I lose one.

[Tcyc]

One day I was too tired and I tried to back out the allen bolt without taking the clip off (and without using my brain) so I broke the clip... I've been riding without the clip since then and haven't experienced any problems. I guess the clip is there just for some extra peace of mind (and probably liability issues) in case anyone is doing some extreme biking with those brakes. It's not urgent, however I do recommend you to get replacement clips (probably for free @ LBS) or use some non-permanent threadlocker if you have any.

[phoenixbikes]

Is the issue that the bolt will back itself out with use ?

[Tcyc]

It didn't take too much extra force to unscrew the allen bolt even with the clip on (and broke it...), therefore, I don't think it will cause any immediate issues in short term. However, let's say if you don't do regular maintenance/inspection to your brakes(& your bike), there's a chance that the bolt will get loosen over time due to insufficient torquing and work it's way out. I work on car calipers and you will be surprised to know that for many cars, the brake pads of the rear calipers are retained by two knock-out pins and they don't even have screws & threads to secure the pads. Afterall, you still have your front brake just in case.

[DWill]

A small drop of blue loctite is your friend…

[Eville140]

Any hardware store should have a new clip. Just take the bolt with you and find one the snaps on. Probably less than $1. They will be in the slide out bins close to where they have nuts and bolts. Probably come in a baggy of 3 or 4.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[mitzikatzi]

A small drop of blue loctite is your friend…

..snip..

Use a low or medium (242) strength one.

The high strength ones are very difficult to undo.

[FujNoob]

The C clip is supposed to keep the pin from backing out. (don't know if's an actual issue or not) Be careful using loctite or using too much force when you tighten it. The head can strip out or even break off when you try to remove it if it is on too tight. New Avid brand pads come with a bolt and clip. As another suggested I would check with your LBS to see if they have an extra.

[Kevin_Federline]

All loctite is Blue

Use a low or medium (242) strength one.

The high strength ones are very difficult to undo.

They don't make red?!?! You sure??


Sent from my HTC HD2 using Tapatalk 2

[Eville140]

Purple=low strength.
Blue=medium strength.
Red=high strength


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[mitzikatzi]

They don't make red?!?! You sure??


Sent from my HTC HD2 using Tapatalk 2

My mistake. You are correct. If you do choose to use loctite or an equivalent thread lock solution. Use a medium or low strength one.

[Kevin_Federline]

I was a little drunk so I used a little to much punctuation marks.

Sent from my HTC HD2 using Tapatalk 2

[Hudnut]

The part is called an E-Ring. any hardware store should have them

[Mark in Baltimore]

+1 on using a spot of blue Loctite on the threads to be really sure nothing backs out. I lost the circlips on my K18 brakes brakes but never bothered to use Loctite. Bolts have never backed out.

[bikeabuser]

If you don't want to use locktite ... I'll suggest ... Ace Hardware, or NAPA, in that order.
If all else fails ... CopperState Nut & Bolt.

[e-luder]

Just pay your LBS a visit they will give you one. They wont bite.

[phoenixbikes]

The LBS actually DOES bite.......

I asked here because I knew the mechanics at the shop I went to would not understand what I need. So much for 'needing' my lbs.....

Got some loctite, thanks for the answers everyone.

[phoenixbikes]

One other question...

Anyone used the Elixir 5's with a 180mm front rotor ? Is there a significant difference in power from a 160mm rotor ?

[sasquatch rides a SS]

I haven't used those brakes in particular, but I've used a few different types of brakes (both cable and hydraulic) that I bumped up the rotor size from 160 to 180 (front and rear) and there was a noticable difference. It was definitely worth it with me being a bigger guy and an aggressive rider.

[jparman]

I went from a 180mm rotor out front to a 160. It was a pretty dramatic reduction in power. In hindsight, I probably would not have made the swap that I did.
I made the change because of a warranty replacement.

[phoenixbikes]

I have a 185mm rotor on my bb7's. Do I need a 185 for the Elixir 5's or will a 180 do the trick ? 183 ?