Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[The Cambelt Kid]

Hi Chaps,

I plan to replace the pads all round on my motor this weekend and have one tiny question before i start.  I read in Haynes that i need to push the brake piston back into place to make room for the new pads, but i recall on OOF some time ago that by doing this i run the risk of pushing air into the ABS unit...

I have always pushed back the piston without any thought about the ABS unit.  So what it the best and safest method for me?  Do i just use the Haynes method?

Cheers

[markey mark]

best way is to losen bleed nipples and push old fluid out of caliper then when you pump them up the calipers get fresh fluid !!

[The Cambelt Kid]

Nice one M&M, would i need to pinch the brake hose to stop the fluid from shooting back upto the topup container?

[Steve1077]

I've done the pads a few times without any problems just slowly pushing the pistons back with the cap off the reservoir

[Dazzler]

I've always pushed the piston back slowly using a G-clamp, never had any problems :-/

[markey mark]

Nice one M&M, would i need to pinch the brake hose to stop the fluid from shooting back upto the topup container?

no mate just dont push the pistons back fast nice and steady !!

[markey mark]

I've always pushed the piston back slowly using a G-clamp, never had any problems :-/

i used to till one day rushing and flipped the seals in the master cylinder !!

[The Cambelt Kid]

Ooops...

I will take your advice and keep it nice and steady.

Thanks  

[tunnie]

caliper is where the really bad fluid sits, so its always good to get that out, and top it up with some fresh, or flush the fluid!

Did it on my 2.2, made a big difference. Flush it right though so it runs clear.

Make sure you fit GM pads!  

[The Cambelt Kid]

Hi Tunnie,

I am on my own so i can't pump the pedal and open/close the bleep nipple.  So if i just want to empty the caliper can i just pinch the soft part of the brake hose and then press the caliper in, thus pushing the caliper fluid out of the nipple?

I take it that i can pinch the hose with mole-grips without any damage?

Thanks

[tunnie]

Hi Tunnie,

I am on my own so i can't pump the pedal and open/close the bleep nipple.  So if i just want to empty the caliper can i just pinch the soft part of the brake hose and then press the caliper in, thus pushing the caliper fluid out of the nipple?

I take it that i can pinch the hose with mole-grips without any damage?

Thanks

Yes. *i think*

Wait for someone more experianced to comment, but when i did mine, i used mole grips on the brake pipe comming up to the caliper, clamp it shut, hard!

I had a tube comming off the bleed nipple, relase the nipple, and push the caliper in with a big g-clamp or a feking big pair of plyers!  

Should come out nicely.

Tighten nipple nut again, release the mole grips, you may have to pump a few times to get the pressure back, so don't do it on the move!  

But, please, before you start, wait for someone experianced to confirm my drivvel above!    

[hotel21]

Mole grips are a work around tool for this task but, with care, is doable.  Take care not to overcrimp the rubber hose or you WILL damage it, risking failure in, potentially, an emergency stop situation.

The correct tool is similar to the following which i found on e-bay.  No link with the seller, etc etc etc...   CLICKY

[The Cambelt Kid]

Nice one chaps...

Got the whole job done in 4 hours, including lunch too!

I added lots of wire brush and metal file action too, so about 45 mins per corner.  I can now stop the car ona tenpence