bleeding brakes

truckman01 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 06:33 AM

I took the front right caliper off my 94 f150 to replace the rotor and after I got it all back together the brakes felt spongy. Now I don't think the piston in the caliper really moved so why would it feel like I got air in there. Am I supposed to compress the piston back or something? How would air get in like this anyway? I have done this a few times before on my ranger and the brakes worked fine after. If I do have to bleed do I only have to bleed at this wheel?

aurgathor · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 10:32 AM

Just bleed that one first to see if it helps. If not, do all four.

Even if the brakes feel right, bleeding them periodically (I do it every other year or so) is a good practice.

bradshaw6243 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-22-2007, 04:25 AM

Hey truckman, even if the master cylinder piston did not move you have definitely gotten air in the system if you disconnected any line. Only a few bubbles can cause sponginess. Your best bet to get good pedal back is to bleed the entire system starting with the furthest wheel from the master cylinder first. Right rear, left rear, right front, then left front. I bet this solves your problem.