davedwards
Registered
I'm about to tackle the front brake pads and just wanted to know if the method for retracting the front caliper pistons is the same as the rear.Does the front screw in like the rear? 2004 LS w/ 3.9 V8. Thanks
I haven't any formal training in auto mechanics and I do all of my own work. The secret is websites like this. There is not much you will have to do to your car that hasn't been done by some one this site. All you gotta do is ask.They say that it takes a strong person to admit their mistakes, maybe a better description for me would be "dumb".I always pride myself on being thourough and double checking everything,but this time I messed up. I left one of the bolts loose on the caliper and that was not allowing it to open when brakes were released.Everything checks out good now and since it was only driven about 6 miles with the problem, nothing was damaged.This does make me aware that I need to do a better job of checking these things and re-assembling things properly. This just strengthens my mechanic's argument that I should leave these things to " the professionals". I don't disagree that most things should be done by a qualified mechanic, but I still want to do some things like oil change,filter changes,and yes brake pads. I guess I'm still wishing that I had gone to school for auto mechanics instead of getting into Real estate. Sometimes I think auto mechanics would be more rewarding.Thanks
This does make me aware that I need to do a better job of checking these things and re-assembling things properly. This just strengthens my mechanic's argument that I should leave these things to " the professionals". I don't disagree that most things should be done by a qualified mechanic, but I still want to do some things like oil change,filter changes,and yes brake pads.
When you compress the front caliper pistons MAKE SURE you open the bleeders and let all that old crappy brake fluid flush out. Than after you're done and its put back together, make sure you have enough fluid in the resevoir and pump on the brakes until you feel the pedal get hard, than top off the brake fluid. Basically you've done your own front brake fluid flush.
For a complete flush, leave the bleeder open and keep pumping until you see only good, clear fluid coming out. This usually takes two people though.
No, Dave, don't do it!
Use J's method. Just be sure to close the bleeder immediately after bottoming out the piston.
No, Dave, don't do it!
If you are EXTREMELY careful and make absolutely sure that the master cylinder resevoir never runs dry, if you are ABSOLUTELY sure you only open the bleeders on the pedal downstroke and close them before ANY upward movement takes place, go ahead.
ANY mistake at all that might allow air bubbles to migrate into the valving portion of the ABS/IVD Hydraulic Control Unit will result in loss of brake pedal feel until an electronically commanded system bleed using an appropriate scan tool, followed by a pressure bleed is done to restore the system.
Use J's method. Just be sure to close the bleeder immediately after bottoming out the piston.
This I understand, what I'm wondering about is the rear calipers, do you also open the bleeder valve when you are screwing the caliper piston back in on the rear?
I was always told to connect a tube to the bleeder and put the other end of the tube into the bottom of a bottle. This way, the tube gets surrounded with brake fluid so no air can go back into the bleeder.