Brake change question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Fresno CA
Brake change question
While doing a brake pad change and you are compressing the caliper piston, should you:
1) bleed off excess brake fluid through the bleeder valve at the caliper
OR
2) let the excess brake fluid run back into the master cylinder
I've heard that by pushing the brake fluid back into the master cylinder you risk damage to the ABS.
1) bleed off excess brake fluid through the bleeder valve at the caliper
OR
2) let the excess brake fluid run back into the master cylinder
I've heard that by pushing the brake fluid back into the master cylinder you risk damage to the ABS.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Glen Cove New York
I've always taken a clean turkey baster and removed about half or more of the old fluid in the Master Cylinder just before compressing the pistons. Then, after the pads are installed, I replace the fluid with newly purchased fresh fluid. Never heard of the caliper method other than for bleeding the brakes but maybe someone else will chime in.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 3
From: Iowa City Iowa
I pushed my brake fluid back into the master cylinder ( remove some fluid first)when I did my brake job. I suggest you remove the cap from the master cylinder when compressing the caliper. I put the cap back on and pressed the brake peddle after I completed each wheel. My brake job went without a "hitch" and I didn't even need to bleed the brakes when I finished!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 40,995
Likes: 9,759
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
It will not hurt the ABS unit if you push the pistons back. Just make sure there is enough reserve volume in the master cylinder reservoir to hold the fluid you push back.
Bill
Bill
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 8
From: Chester Springs PA
I pushed my brake fluid back into the master cylinder ( remove some fluid first)when I did my brake job. I suggest you remove the cap from the master cylinder when compressing the caliper. I put the cap back on and pressed the brake peddle after I completed each wheel. My brake job went without a "hitch" and I didn't even need to bleed the brakes when I finished!
well ... doesnt this run the risk of spilling some?
