I read/heard that this could destroy the ABS actuator and master clylinder. Both Helm's and haynes doesn't mention this. I changed both front and rear pads without opening the bleeders. Now I am wondering should I bleed the system.

There are many sources, here is one of them I remember.
http://www.popularmechanics.co...phtml

 

I don't think that's true on our cars. I do know that you should at least pop off the MC reservoir cap. Popping that cap off is what relieves pressure.

 

The said reason was dirt getting into ABS and master cylinder, not pressure related.

here is the quote from the article:

And if you or the shop does a disc caliper brake job, and someone pushes back the caliper pistons, the possibilities are ominous. A lot of the dirty, moisture-laden fluid in the calipers is pushed back, where some of it gets into the ABS actuator. The prospects for an ABS failure go up, up, up.


....And remember when you next do a disc brake job, don't just push back the piston with a C-clamp. First, clamp the brake hose with locking pliers, wrapping the hose with a protective sheath of thick rubber, perhaps from an old radi ator hose. Open the bleeder (and with antiseize on the threads, it should cooperate quite nicely actually), attach a hose to the nipple, then push the piston back, collect the fluid in a container and discard.

This job is about more than saving money on an ABS actuator. No matter how new or old your car, it's about saving your skin.





Modified by gsrclan at 4:35 AM 5/16/2003

 

i don't know !!! is it bad to squeeze your bladder when you gotta go..think . pressure must be released somewhere,do it right and you don't have to worry about it

 

Interesting....but if you changed your brake fluid fairly often and kept it clean, should you have anything to worry about?

 

The fluid in my car is almost 2 years old, I don't how dirty/clean they are. There are some posts on other forums stating their ABS were ruined by pushing in pistons with c clamp.