rear break pad question...
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Central OK
rear break pad question...
I am in dire need of replacing the rear pads on my 99 F250 PSD.
Is there anything special on the truck I need to know about in changing pads?
If I open the bleeder screw will I be able to get the caliper pistons pushed in? Or is there a special trick or tip that i need to know about? Will a C clamp give me enough leverage etc.
thanks in advance for the help.
Is there anything special on the truck I need to know about in changing pads?
If I open the bleeder screw will I be able to get the caliper pistons pushed in? Or is there a special trick or tip that i need to know about? Will a C clamp give me enough leverage etc.
thanks in advance for the help.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,298
Likes: 24
From: Damon (South East Texas)
You don't have to open the bleeders to push the caliper pistons back in. You will need to remove some of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir before pushing them in. A C-clamp will do just fine. You may want to flush out the old fluid from the brake system, if you haven't already done so. Just remove all the fluid from the master cylinder that you can and refill with fresh fluid. Bleed all the brakes, adding fluid as necessay until the new fluid comes out the bleeders. It is a good idea to do this every 2 years as the fluid absorbs moisture and will allow corrosion to form in the brake system.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,758
Likes: 7
From: colorado
Originally Posted by mueckster
You don't have to open the bleeders to push the caliper pistons back in. You will need to remove some of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir before pushing them in. A C-clamp will do just fine. You may want to flush out the old fluid from the brake system, if you haven't already done so. Just remove all the fluid from the master cylinder that you can and refill with fresh fluid. Bleed all the brakes, adding fluid as necessay until the new fluid comes out the bleeders. It is a good idea to do this every 2 years as the fluid absorbs moisture and will allow corrosion to form in the brake system.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by wlihntr
hold on, this is news to me, i have been doing brakes for alot of years(20+) and have never heard of taking fluid out of the master cylinder.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,758
Likes: 7
From: colorado
Originally Posted by mcompton1973
will a c tool do it?
or do I need to get the tool to screw it in?
Thanks
or do I need to get the tool to screw it in?
Thanks
i will say i have never done the rear disc brakes on an sd but the "rear" disc brakes i have done have had to be screwed back in not just pressed back in,(parking brake) and even when i have ever done the standard press in caliper i have always opened the bleeder valve than pressed them back in, and then bled the brakes
Last edited by wlihntr; Jun 30, 2004 at 11:38 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
the superduties have a drum parking brake inside the rotors. i have opened the bleeders before but i usually end up with a mess. brake fluid all over and air in the lines. in my opinion it is easier to take some fluid out of the master cylinder. a turkey baster works good, just dont use it for turkeys again
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
Originally Posted by mueckster
You don't have to open the bleeders to push the caliper pistons back in. You will need to remove some of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir before pushing them in. A C-clamp will do just fine. You may want to flush out the old fluid from the brake system, if you haven't already done so. Just remove all the fluid from the master cylinder that you can and refill with fresh fluid. Bleed all the brakes, adding fluid as necessay until the new fluid comes out the bleeders. It is a good idea to do this every 2 years as the fluid absorbs moisture and will allow corrosion to form in the brake system.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,298
Likes: 24
From: Damon (South East Texas)
Originally Posted by FarmerPhilCo
YES you do need to open the bleeder valve! If you force fluid reverse through the system you can fracture ABS valves, pump bodys, etc., open the bleeder valve-it is easier this way anyway
Last edited by mueckster; Jul 1, 2004 at 08:37 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
I just replaced my rear rotors and pads this morning on my 2001 Excursion and I decided to bleed the brake fluid as I compressed each caliper piston. I was worried about messing up the ABS sensors and somewhere I read about the interior of brake lines breaking down and gunking up the fluid. So, as I compressed the pistons and bled the brake fluid I was able to take a look at the brake fluid and make sure it wasn't discolored. I looked at the master cylinder reservoir after I did both the fronts and rears this way and the fluid level didn't drop very much at all. I am going to keep a small unopened bottle of brake fluid in the car and keep an eye on the master cylinder reservoir fluid level.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Likes: 1
From: Kansas
Done my 02 a while back....used a large channel lock plier to compress the pistons. Done it slowly and had to work on each piston alittle at a time to get them back flush in the caliper. Didn't mess with the brake fluid as I had room in my resevoir. Took about 15min per wheel after I got the tire off.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
Originally Posted by mueckster
Repair manuals state that you should remove some of the brake fluid to allow room for the fluid to return to the reservoir as the caliper pistons are pushed back in. I have done it this way and have not had any problems on any anti-lock brake vehicle. For the brake system to work properly, fluid has to be able to return as the brake pedal is released. This is also true of the anti-lock control valving. While opening the bleeders will eliminate the risk of damage, I have not found it necessary in my years doing brake jobs.
So yes in your many years of doing brakes before ABS your method is advisable. today your method is a costly mistake waiting to happen that is easily preventable by breaking the bleeder valve.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,298
Likes: 24
From: Damon (South East Texas)
I will agree that opening the bleeder while pushing in the caliper piston is a good practice to prevent any problems with anti-lock component damage, but I have not seen it documented in any repair manual warning of such damage by not opening the bleeders. I have done many brake jobs on vehicles with anti-lock brakes and have not had any problems with the method I use. To each his own. If it makes you feel better, then do it. I feel that if the pistons are pushed in slowly enough and without extreme force, everything will be alright.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,758
Likes: 7
From: colorado
Originally Posted by mueckster
I will agree that opening the bleeder while pushing in the caliper piston is a good practice to prevent any problems with anti-lock component damage, but I have not seen it documented in any repair manual warning of such damage by not opening the bleeders. I have done many brake jobs on vehicles with anti-lock brakes and have not had any problems with the method I use. To each his own. If it makes you feel better, then do it. I feel that if the pistons are pushed in slowly enough and without extreme force, everything will be alright.
