Ok so I put new rotors and pads on yesterday and after a test drive I noticed my right rear was hot. Did some more investigating to find the caliper is junk. The thicker new pad was always in contact with the rotor because the caliper wasn't retracting all the way. So on to my question, when replacing the caliper what proceedure do I follow as far as bleeding the brake fluid and putting new in? Do I swap out the caliper then bleed the brakes? I've never replaced a caliper or bled brakes so all this is kind of new to me. TIA for any info.

-Bryan

 

The brake line connects to the caliper, so you need to bleed the brakes after replacing the caliper as you'll introduce air into the system. It would be wise to bleed the entire system, not just the caliper you replace. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, which means it absorbs water over time. Syphon the old fluid out of your brake reservoir and top it off with new fluid. Go to the furthest corner from the reservoir (passenger rear) and bleed there first. Have a friend push down on the brake peddle, place a section of clear tubing over the bleed screw nipple and open the bleed screw. This will cause the brake peddle to drop to the floor. Have your friend hold the peddle to the floor (so that no air gets sucked back into the system) and close the bleed screw. Now your friend can lift his foot and repeat the procedure. Keep pumping fluid through the system until you see the color of the fluid change from brown to light yellow. Periodically check the reservoir and top it off to prevent it from running dry. The first caliper takes the longest as you're pumping fluid through the longest path; the others will be quicker. Now move to the rdriver's side rear and repeat. Next will be passenger side front, and finally driver's side front. I recommend Valvoline synthetic brake fluid; it has a boiling point of 500 degrees. Pick up a quart.

 

Thanks for the info. One last question though, before I replace the caliper do I need to pinch anything off so all the fluid doesn't run out? I was planning on replacing all the fluid so I'll go ahead and do that. Thanks again.

-Bryan

 

I wouldn't pinch the brake line. You can put a rubber or plastic cap over the end of the removed line to stop it from dripping.

 

Ok thanks.