SRAM has just announced a recall of AXS levers sold through July 1, 2023. The recall affects all four AXS groupsets: Red, Force, Rival, and Apex . In a note on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, the brand points out that “consumers should immediately stop using recalled SRAM brake levers and inspect their levers for firmness.”
Problems Related to Insecurity
The problem is associated with the screws. Even if they are properly tightened, they may not provide adequate clamping force for the lever on the handlebar. SRAM warned that this issue could cause an “accident resulting in injury” as the levers can move freely on the handlebars, which could cause riders to lose control.
“If the shift lever is not properly tightened on the handlebars, it may slip or move when trying to steer the bike or when passing over an obstacle; this could lead to a loss of control and/or an accident resulting in damage”, details SRAM.
Free Inspection and Repair
SRAM has released a post on Instagram detailing how customers can inspect their market levers to see if they are affected by this issue. The company also stated that for customers who have levers with this problem, or for riders who are unsure, a free inspection and bolt replacement will be performed at no charge at registered SRAM dealers.
Check out the video
The description of the instructional video provides a step-by-step guide that customers should follow to determine if their levers are at risk. “Check the tightness of the shift-brake lever installation by applying light pressure to the shift lever body, pushing toward the center of the bicycle handlebars.”
“If the shift-brake lever turns or slips when you apply light pressure, tighten the body lever clamp bolt using a torque wrench to 6 Newton-meters. If the problem still persists, a clamp screw replacement is required, which will be done free of charge at a SRAM dealer.
“If your lever does not turn or slips when you apply light pressure, no further action is necessary.”
This is the most recent major recall in the industry, with Shimano also issuing a recall of over 700,000 Hollowtech II cranks last year.