Brake Bleeding

[Brent S]

I have never bled the brakes on my '99 GTP (nor had anyone else do it) which has 134k miles. I plan to replace front pads soon, and the brakes seem fine (i.e. not "spongy"); Do you guys recommend that I bleed the front brakes during this next pad change? Should I only bleed front calipers, since I'm not replacing rear pads right now? Was there a link for a good procedure for bleeding? (I don't see it in the Tips/Maintenance list). Thanks.

[troy1]

Only bleed if you are planing on opening up the system to the atmosphere. I always crack the bleeder open when retracting the pistons and never have problems the require bleeding. I put a little pressure on the piston before I open the bleeder and keep it on top of the caliper while pushing the piston back. (loosen he bleeder before removing the caliper)

[Brent S]

I've done 3 pad changes (I think), and I never cracked bleeder. I don't see why it's necessary; the piston seems to be able to retract (eventually) with some constant firm pressure with a C-clamp or caliper tool.

I was just wondering if after a long time (i.e. 10 years, 100k+miles), whether it's good to do some bleeding. But, if it's not likely going to help much, I wouldn't want to waste my time.

[tempfixit]

It is recommended that brake fluid be changed periodically to get rid of the moisture build up. How clear is the fluid??

Use old turkey baster and remove old fluid from the resorvoir refill and bleed each wheel until fluid is clear.

[Brent S]

Yeah, that's what I was wondering. I have never bled any of the wheels, so I don't know the status of the fluid near the calipers. I have only topped off (if any) fluid at the reservoir. Replacing reservoir fluid is real simple; bleeding seems more of a pain in the butt; and wouldn't want to bother unless it's really worth doing.

[maxwedge]

The usual reason for cracking the bleeder when retracting the caliper pistons is to avoid moving contaminated or dirty fluid back into the abs unit.