Should I do my own brake repairs?

Question

My brake pads need to be changed, I'm clear on how to do it and confident that i can, but i haven't done it before. My question is, in resetting the piston in the caliper to its original position, what is the risk of the brake line being damaged due to too much pressure? Can i do this without having to bleed the brakes?

Answer 1

Yes you can do it. Use a large C clamp and turn in pushing the piston back. Don't have to go fast. Take it easy. If it takes you a full minute or 2, that is no time Worrying about too much pressure in the brake line???Bet you don't think of that aspect when you jam on the brakes. If it is that rotten, the line needed replacing anyways.

Answer 2

I think any person who can handle a couple of wrenches could tackle a simple brake job. With calipers, just knock out the retaining pins and take out whatever bolts there are that are holding the caliper together. With the calipers apart you should be able to replace the pads fairly easily, they usually just clip in. The one thing that's a little fun is forcing the pistons in because the new pads are usually quite a bit thicker, however a simple c-clamp should do nicely. Matter of fact I just did a brake job with my father the other day on a dual axle trailer.... We also replaced the brakes on my mother's car. Like I said, a pretty easy job and the risk of damage is pretty minor. (You should see how my father forces things in with push bars and torches sometimes.... And he hasn't screwed up a brake job yet! :) ) Also, you don't want to forget about applying the brake grease on the back of the pads, or else they will squeal. NOT on the front of pads where they grip the rotors, but the backs where the rub against the metal on the calipers.

Answer 3

When putting new brake pads in, you need to take the caliper off and remove the pads, but before you push the piston back with a c-clamp, you need to crack the bleeder screw open on the back of the caliper so that when you clamp the piston, the fluid will not be pushed up and back through the ABS, which could contaminate the system and also flip the rubber seal on the brake fluid resovoir on top of the master cylinder. after you get the piston pushed back, then you can get the new pads into place and then just put everything else back together

Answer 4

It sounds like you know what you are doing. I would have someone there that knows how to do brakes so if you have any problems they can help you. I learned that way. You don't want to take any chances, you know what I mean.....And no it won't damage it with too much pressure because the fluid will go back into the reservoir and no, you don't have to bleed the brakes unless you let the fluid get to low and air got in the lines......

Answer 5

If you know how than it is a snap. As for you Question, to set the brakes after they have been installed you have to back up at a speed of 10 miles per hour and push on and let of of the brakes until the car stops, then the same at 20 miles per hour, then 30 miles per hour this will set your brakes perfectly. you also don't need to bleed the brakes.

Answer 6

you can do it. just make sure to open the cap on the brake fluid reservoir to relieve pressure. also make sure after install, you press the brake pedal before you start the car.

Answer 7

C-Clamp will work on G.M. But some Fords have to be rotated clockwise to get clearance ,AutoZone sells the Adapter that will fit your Ratchet,it has tabs on it that will fit most cars,cost about 5 dollars.