Alright so I need a new front brake caliper. In my search, i found out how to bleed the brakes, which is good since im sure i will need to.
But my question is about how to replace the caliper. Here is how i imagine it will go, but i want someone to please correct me if im wrong.

Im guessing i would take the brake line off the caliper, and then brake fluid will probably run all over the place. Then i take the caliper off and put the new one on, hook it up and bleed the brakes.

Is this correct, or should i open the bleeder and get the fluid out BEFORE i take the old caliper off? Or is neither of these correct?

Thanks,
Greg

 

Disconnect the fluid line without bleeding and cap it as soon as possible. You want to prevent air from entering the line. You can probably find something to cap with at the local auto parts store. Maybe some one already knows the size. Remember the system is gravity feed, so make sure your fluid reservoir is topped off before you begin and doesn't run out while you're working. This will make bleeding so much easier. Replace the caliper, reconnect the line, and bleed. That's how I would tackle it.

 

^ Just the kind of response i was looking for. Thank you.

anyone else wanna confirm racedog or offer more tips?

Also, hopefully on the other side i just wanna replace the pads. would i need to bleed that side too, just because i bled this side? the side i am working on is the passenger side front if that makes a difference.

 

also like racedog said, does anyone know the size for the brake line so i can cap it with something?

 

I ususally take off the fluid line and use a pair of vise-grips on the soft rubber hose part to stop the fluid from coming out the line. Don't go crazy either and make a hole in the hose. Only squeeze it enough to keep it from bleeding. Replace the caliper (2 big bolts) and put anti-seize on them. Reconect the line carefully not to crossthread it and release the visegrip. IF you didn't spill too much brake fluid and you still have a good amount left in the reservoir, then you only have to bleed the new caliper. If you allowed the fluid in the reservoir to run out, then you have to bleed all 4 calipers. Don't know if it's the best way, but that's how I do it all the time and it works well. Good luck

 

yeah that seems risky, but i might have to try that. Thanks.

 

CPRX7 is right on. Careful with the vice grips and make sure that reservoir stays full.

 

yeah i dont know man, that soft hose doesnt feel too soft heheh. I think maybe i will just wait till i get the new one and switch them out real fast, hopefully not losing too much in between. And maybe someday i will spring for some Braided brake lines, but not today.

 

If you don't cap the line or squeeze the soft hose, your driveway will be full of fluid, your new caliper will be saturated, you will be covered in fluid, your brake lines will be full of air, and you will be so sad. BTW, brake fluid will destroy your paint job if you make a mess.

 

Personally I would avoid the use of vice grips on the rubber brake lines as they could rupture the inner lining and then the fluid wouldn't be able to return to the master cyl. Crack the line loose at the caliper, but leave attached. Finish removing all the hardware, unscrew the line, remove the old caliper and put it quickly into the new caliper. I place an aluminum roasting pan under to catch leakage ($1 store item). If done quickly, you could get away with bleeding that caliper, but I would bleed all the corners to be cetain no air, and also it would place new fluid into the system.