Moron Alert! Can someone please tell me why you need to bleed brakes when you change pads or rotors, Im confused on the reason, I have changed brakes on my 84 Cougar and I never did that, so why would I need to do it, what exactly does it do or whats the purpose?

 

TTT
come on somebody has to know this

 

You don't...

You only need to bleed the brakes if you disconect a brake line.

 

Replacing your pads and rotors does not require bleeding the brakes. Do it if your brakes are mushy or open the system to air ie. change the caliper. I just bleed them for convenience. The wheels are off and I'm working on the car already. Do it in the proper order (rr, lr, rf, lf), and be sure not to damage the dust boot on the caliper piston when installing the caliper on the rotor. Don't ask how I know that.

 

Sorry this is late but I have not been on the board in a long time.

You bleed the brakes for the reasons stated above and when you change your brake fluid.

Brake fluid, like any other hydrolic fluid will trap moisture. Over time moisture gets in through the caliper seals/master cylinder cap, etc. No matter how well sealed you think something is, moisture will find a way to get in. Brand new brake fluid is clear. After use it will turn brown. Although this does not immediately effect braking performance, it will shorten the life of your brake lines. Trapped moisture will lead to rust.

Many people do not change their brake fluid and they don't have a problem. However, if you are planning on keeping your car for a long time, say as a classic car, etc, it is a good practice to get into. Also if you race the car (road race as opposed to drag race) it is recommended you change the fluid every year or two.

I have changed my fluid once already and it is a relatively simple process. The hardest part is getting the bleeder screws to loosen up





I hope this explanation helps.

 

Hey! Use some penatrating fluid, let it sit, and then use a properly sized socket to break it loose. Worst case, hit it with a blow torch for a couple of seconds. Then tap it with a hammer. Guarunteed every time!!!