Help! Brake job gone awry

Hey all, swapping out pads and turning rotors. I was re-compressing the calipers and I didn’t notice as it was happening but one of the pistons popped out of place. Leaked fluid everywhere.

I was able to clean it all up inside and get it back down. Got the boot around and the clip back on. Seems okay… but my question is, what else could have been screwed up in the process?

I assume I let air in the lines and obviously lost some fluid. Should I do a full bleed session now? I’ve read that some people really have problems with bleeding because of the ABS system, and I was going to skip bleeding for this go-round. I bet I have to now…

any tips? Any advice at all would be appreciated.

Thanks TW

 

Did the master drain?

 

No still plenty of fluid in the reservoir

 

You should be ok the re: no need to bleed system.

But I would carefully bleed that corner, and maybe test the other side for bubbles

 

Ooopf, sorry to hear.
Man, that's a tough one. My mind would be jumping to options. Depending on how confident I was that trash did NOT get inside the system, I would make sure the gasket is in great shape and fitting right, then bleed the system. If I thought that trash did get inside, I would swap out with a good used one or reman. (be glad you don't live with my mind. LOL)
Good luck!

 

Whenever you are changing pads, rotors, shoes, drums, etc, best practice is to always flush the brake system!
It’s not that expensive, make sure to get 3,4, or 5.1 fluid, and your brakes will be much better.

 

You will know right away if you "need" to bleed them or not. You changed your pads and turned the rotors...it time for a flush. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, just pay someone that has the TS software to do it for you right...and walk away.

 

Brake flush is snake oil if your system is less than 10 years old. Even then, it's sketchy.

 

I agree with the comments above, most likely you will have to bleed at least that wheel. While your at it just flush the entire system.

 

Hopefully you took the time to bleed that corner. No sense leaving air in the line when bleeding only takes a few seconds.

 

If the piston popped out, he pushed air back in the system when replacing it. So yes absolutely bleeding that side is necessary, and if you are doing one you may as well complete the job and do all 4.

 

I would think at minimum bleed the caliper that the piston popped out of, air definitely got in then when the piston was replaced

 

You'll need to bleed the brakes. You can do it the old fashioned way without worrying about the ABS unit. Start at the caliper that popped its piston out. It's easy to do with a self-made bleeder bottle:

The maintenance booklet used to stipulate a brake flush every 4 years. Starting 2015 or so, the interval was shortened to 3 years.

 

Yes you need to bleed at least that side

 

I rebuilt my calipers recently so see the pics:
2 Gen Caliper Rebuild | Tacoma World

There is a snap ring type band that holds that outer seal on so make sure you get it on in the groove.
Make sure the inner seal in the caliper did not rip - when you put the piston back in it should slide smoothly in.
Looks like it was the inside piston closer to the bleeder so easy bleed job.
If it doesn't leak when you get them bled and then turn the key on and the pressure pump comes on - test the pedal pressure and no leaks you are good to go.

 

Incorrect.

Automotive brake fluid is hygroscopic and the hydraulic brake system is not sealed closed.

 

Very true, I live in New Orleans(its a swamp), I've seen green algie like crap in the brake reservoir cause people don't bleed their brake fluid.

 

Over time the fluid becomes similar to almost dried up rubber cement.

 

@wayne0...Please don't teach the less informed that brake fluid is good for 10 years in your vehicle. It is not. 3-5 years is max depending on duty cycle for DOT 3, 4 and 5.1.