I am having an argument with a friend on procedures of changing front brake pads. He says that the proper way to get the piston into the caliper is to loosen the bleeder screw and simply squeezy it and allow the fluid to come out. My way is to open or take off the Master cylinder cap and use pliers or force to push the piston back into the caliper, so that the pad can fit there.
Which way is the more convetional or recommended? Also by squeezing the piston in, can a damage occur to the master cylinder or seals in anyway? By pushing the fluid back from the piston to master cylinder is damaging on the system, if done more often?

any ideas?

 

I think both methods work.

I prefer to lossen the bleed screw when I need to push the piston in. I find it MUCH easier that way.

 

I loosen the bleader screw and let it bleed,why put unneeded pressure in the braking system.The master cylinder seal would definately be the first to go though if to much pressure was applied. Also make sure you use factory or better brake pads (no Auto Zone,Pepboys Etc.) Also spread the packet off stuff they give you with the pads on the back of the brake pads to reduce brake noise

 

I have done it both ways and ruined part of my braking system on my 2000 R by not opening the bleeder screw or the MC cap. I think I woudl open the bleeder screw personally.

 

It is not damaging at all to push the fluid back up into the master cylinder. The braking system is designed to withstand pressures far greater than you could ever exert with pliers acting on a caliper piston.
Both ways will work, but one way is faster and less messy than the other.
Check your mail btw.

-T

 

Use a C-clamp to press the piston

 

what is that stuff called they give you to reduce the brake noise?

 

anti-squeal, or j00 can use antiseize

 

Molykote

 

Anti-seize works quite well, only use it on the outboard pad. Use Sil-glyde on the inboard pad where the pad meets the piston.
Reason for that is that, some types of anti-seize deteriorates rubber, thus it can damage the rubber piston seal.
Sil-glyde is a silicone based, high temperature anti-seze, made for rubber O rings and seals and so on.

-T