if i were to change pads and rotors on a 2009 f150 stx 4x4 4.6, would i need to crack the bleeders to release the caliper to NOT mess up the ABS. or can i just compress the piston with no harm to the ABS system and not have to bleed?

 

No, use a block of wood and a C-clamp and slowly push the piston back. I actually use 460 channel locks and have for 35 years. Do not crack the bleeders at all unless the system has to be opened for other replacement parts.

 

thank you! thats how i do it on my 95. newer trucks have far more sensors than my dinosaurs

 

I usually take the cap off the brake fluid reservoir when pushing calipers in. You may have to remove some fluid if some were added as the old pads wore. The biggest thing is make sure you put brake pads back in correctly. They may look identical inside and out, but they're not. Look closely.

 

The ones with the bumps on top go on the inside/piston side

Pads with the ears go on the inside.