Do I need to do anything with the brake fluid when changing the front brake pads? I accidentally unscrewed the bolt behind the piston thinking that it would make it easier to push back. I then realized that it takes a clamp to push the piston back. After pushing the piston back, I opened the brake fluid top and then drained some out since the level rose after pushing both pistons back. Did I do something wrong?

 

You didn't need to drain the fuild after the piston was depressed. If you would have pumped your brakes a few times, the level would return to normal. next time you might want to open the brake fluid cap before you depress the piston, and drain a little fuild so it doesnt over flow all over your engine compartment. Also, did you put anti-squeek in between the shim and outer pad?

everything else seems right




[Modified by UCBgsR, 2:36 AM 11/10/2002]

 

You could have gotten air in your lines. But if your brake is the same then you probably didn't.

 

I'm just wondering at what point do you need to bleed the brakes? My brakes do feel a little loose now so I'm thinking a little air did get in. I was going to put some grease inbetween the shim and the pad, but the shim had an adhesive to it already so I just put it on like that..

 

my friends and I usually bleed each others brakes about once a year just to get all the air and old crap/black/dirty/boiled up fluid out... and if we've been hard on the car or took it to the track and boiled up the fluid then sooner when need be.. when the pedal feels all mushy then its time to bleed or if your fluid looks all black/dark... new brake fluid is like oil..its clearish/yellowish..

they usually all come over to my house since I have a garage, bunch of tools, drain pans, etc.. all the necessary stuff to do it... they'll pump the pedal while I'm at the caliper opening and closing the bleeder screw... then when I'm done w/ my car... we move onto theirs and help each other out...

if your fluid is dark, over 2 yrs old, and/or your pedal feels mushy I'd go ahead and bleed the brakes just as maintenance....