Need definitive answer about brake bleeding

i need to change front pads and I keep getting different opinions on whether bleeder should be opened when pushing Pistons back. It appears many TW members have had no problems not opening bleeder but I keep reading about abs damage that can occur. Can the board make a decision about the correct method. Tia

 

No need to open bleeders if you have the right tool to push pistons back. Cheap ass tool too. I have used the screwdriver method several times and never opened the bleeders. Just take the lid off the master and go slow

 

I would open them, and just rebleed/flush the whole system with new brakefluid, not that hard to do

 

I just went thru this issue this week. Didnt open the bleeder, got air in the ABS. There is a thread about it. Took lid off reservoir and used a spreader to collapse the pistons. Its your call on how you wish to do it but for me that bleeder will be open everytime from now on.

 

I've done dozens of ABS equipped cars with no ill results. I just leave the piston side pad in place and collapse the piston with a C clamp. Slowly.

All the chatter about stuff collected at the caliper is likely true. If you never, or rarely, service the brakes / change the brake fluid.

If you do a full change of your brake fluid every couple of years as part of your basic maintenance routine (you know, like where you clean and service your brakes once or twice a year, depending on where you live and how you use the vehicle) then it's very unlikely there will be any sediment around to cause any problem.

So that leaves the 'best method' to be dependent on the condition of the braking system.

 

How the hell do you guys get air in the systems with the bleeders closed?

 

In my case I think some air was already in the system somewhere from PO. The pedal always felt a little spongey. Collapsing the piston just forced the air back and into the ABS. This is my best guess. I didnt open the bleeder just because I never have. I think my situation may have been an anomaly but still not sure. That is the part that is killing me, the uncertainty....lol

 

Of the thousands of brake jobs I have done, never once have I opened the bleeder to collapse the calipers. I know it makes it easier but it is not necessary. Heck with the Toyota brakes all you need is a small pry bar or big flat head screw driver to release the pistons.

 

Another vote for not opening the bleeder. Changed my front pads a couple weeks ago and just pried back with a big flat head screw driver.

 

I have never had a problem pushing the pistons back in on other vehicles...but on the Tacoma I ended up removing the calipers, and can't comment on the e

 

If you are concerned, you can pinch the soft line, then open the bleeder screw, then push the pistons back in.

If you are doing a complete brake job and live in a cold climate, just take the caliper off altogether and once you put them back on, pump the brake pedal to seat the pads, the. make sure to flush the brake fluid with 1.5 L of good fluid (i.e., Toyota or Motul).

 

I guess you can't comment.