Read through the tutorial concerning Pads and rotors located here. The instructions say to let the fluid spill out of the reservior. I was specifically told not to do this with ABS vehicles. Instead one should open the bleed screw and let the bad/old fluid spill out.

When I change my pads and rotors, I intend to open the bleed screw and let the fluid spill out that way. Is there some mechanical aspect of our brake system that prevents you from doing this? Is it wrong?

Thanks
Bread

 

Read the rules!!!!!!

 

homiewebster, you're going to get banned.

Anyone have anything constructive to add to this thread?

 

No, sorry man. You know how I change my pads? First, I usually do it by myself, so therefore bleeding the brakes is out of the question. I take a really big C-clamp, (15 or 16 incher) and use that with a small block of wood to compress the piston into the caliper, eliminating the possibility of getting air into my braking system. I've done it to every single maxima I've had, including a Lancer and a grand prix, and never once have I had a problem. And my fluid resivoir has never overflowed, because after each wheel I do, I pump the brake a little to compress the piston I just worked on
I dont know if this'll help

 

I agree with Bwinter. When I replace pads I usually do not bleed the brakes. If I take the rotors off or open the lines for anything then yes I bleed the brakes.

I would be careful not to have the reservoir overflow cause brake fluid is caustic.

If you notice that the brake fluid nears the top when you push in your pistons, siphon some off.

 

If i have to replace just one caliper do I need to re bleed and refill?

 

I would replace both calipers. You may experience braking issues by replacing only one. Yes I would bleed the entire sytem at that point. At least bleed both sides until no air remains.

I would replace both calipers at the same time.

 

I didnt mean to say I was going to bleed while changing the calipers. I don't want to push the excess fluid back into the reservior, instead I want to just remove it from the system by opening the bleed screw while compressing the piston. If I do it carefully, air shouldn't get into the system.

I was wondering why the guide recomended just pushing back old fluid for any reason other than convenience (as its easier to just push the old fluid back into the reservior than risk getting air into the system).

 

Well everything is basically new but for around 5k i've had a frozen caliper and only that side is the issue. When everything else is due I will put money towards it but I don't really want to do a huge thing when my brakes are pretty much new.