Open bleeder screw while pushing in caliper piston?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,139
Likes: 2
From: Whidbey Island WA
Open bleeder screw while pushing in caliper piston?
Anybody do this?? I was recently told is was the best/new recommend way to do it to avoid pushing old/bad fluid into the M/C or harming the ABS.
Your input is requested...
Your input is requested...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Tempe AZ
Jon
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
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From: Whidbey Island WA
Tech Contributor
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From: Dyer, IN
Rock on.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
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From: Whidbey Island WA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Silver Spring MD
50 years I've been doing it wrong OH MY
I've NEVER open the bleed screws when compressing brake pistons. Never had brake failure due to contaminated fluid either. Maybe you should drain your windshield wiper fluid before changing wiper blades so the old fluid doesn't contaminate the new blades.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,139
Likes: 2
From: Whidbey Island WA
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
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From: Whidbey Island WA
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Calgary Alberta
I'd be more concerned about introducing air into the system rather then contaminating brake fluid by reversing the brake fluid. Open the cover on the reservoir and wrap a rag/rags around the area underneath in case you have excess fluid. I normally watch the fluid level as I push it in. Brake fluid will damage paint.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
I don't think this is exactly a "new" procedure. I believe it was originally spoken about, as a way to avoid pushing old fluid back into the ABS module, when ABS became a standard deal on cars and trucks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,014
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From: Rockwall TX
First off, I'm not a expert, only have done brakes a few times. But, on my new set of rotors and pads (which I plan to put on sometime down the road), the directions say to do the bleeder screw thing as well, I know I won't do it, but let us know how it comes out.
I really don't see the point.
I really don't see the point.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 107
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From: Siloam Springs AR
I crack the bleeder to push the pistons back in. You are going to want to bleed the brakes anyway afterwards to get fresh fluid in the calipers. Why push fluid that has been through several heat cycles back up into the system when you are going to flush it right back out? I think air is a reasonable concern but I have never experienced a problem. Keep the calipers suspended as high as possible(dont let them hang from the lines).