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brakes question
mlincoln
Member Posts: 5,039 ✭✭✭
Changing the front brakes pads on the F150, a 2003. Normally I just take off the cap of the brake fluid reservoir and use a huge pair of channellocks and an old brake pad to compress the piston(s). Has always worked fine in the past, but I've had to push pretty darn hard. This last time I about busted a gut trying to compress those pistons. I mean, I was putting my everything into it.
My buddy says using hose pinch pliers on the brake line and opening the bleeder valve will make compressing the piston(s) much easier. Another guy I talked to about it said there's no reason to open the bleeder valve, that doing so just makes more work for you, and the reason the piston(s) were tough to compress is because the caliper is 14 years old.
I also read that the bleeder valve should be opened to protect the ABS system. Thoughts?
My buddy says using hose pinch pliers on the brake line and opening the bleeder valve will make compressing the piston(s) much easier. Another guy I talked to about it said there's no reason to open the bleeder valve, that doing so just makes more work for you, and the reason the piston(s) were tough to compress is because the caliper is 14 years old.
I also read that the bleeder valve should be opened to protect the ABS system. Thoughts?
Comments
Pushing the trash back into the master cylinder means it is closer to failure as well.
So, just crack the bleed fitting when you push the Pistons back in. Replace the caliper if the seals are torn or leaking, or if the piston is not smooth and pretty easy to push back in!
Never smash the brake hose shut! Starts failure cracks! You want those hoses in perfect condition. If you ever have smashed them shut, replace them now!
sorry that's as much help as I can offer. Good luck.
Never had any difficulty using a large C clamp to push the piston.
Same here. I've always used a big C clamp with no problem. I've never opened up a line to do it. That would be a whole lot of work for nothing.
Your caliper pistons are freezing up. Buy new calipers, it will be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezee.
Yes this, and NEVER NEVER EVER put "hose pinch" pliers on a brake line!!!!!!!!! You shouldn't put hose pinch pliers on any hose, for that matter.
i have had to use one of these on my ford and lincolns since the early 90's
That's for the rear brakes, because they also used the caliper for the e-brake. They don't do that anymore.
Also as was said you do need to change brake fluid my 2000 had to have the Calipers replaced cause I did not.
Your caliper pistons are freezing up. Buy new calipers, it will be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezee.
Yep. Doing good to of gotten fourteen years out of em.