BallSackJack

I've isolated a terrible rotational noise I have only while braking, to the front driver's side. My pads and rotors have plenty of life left (I believe). I'm planning on lifting up the front caliper, removing the pads and checking everything to see if there are any obvious problems.

My question is, once I lift up the caliper, will I need to retract the caliper piston at all in order to fit the old pads back? And if that's so, will I need to open the bleeder valve while doing so? Thank you for your input.

dantediss

you do need to retract the piston but its simple.take the cap off the brake fluid reservoir under the hood and just use a caliper spreader and small piece of wood to push the piston back in,..easy

dantediss

Dont open the bleeder valve on the caliper youll make a mess and let air in...just take the cap off under the hood

BallSackJack

Thanks, that sounds like the easiest way.

I did read where a few people on here mentioned opening up the bleeder on the caliper instead of the cap of the reservoir because pumping back fluid through the ABS could mess stuff up?

The service manual does not mention removing the reservoir cap or the bleeder though...

madcowdk

you can pick up a brake caliper compressor at your local auto parts store for less than 10 bucks. They work great!

BallSackJack

I got one earlier, thanks! My question remains though:

I read where a few people on here mentioned opening up the bleeder on the caliper instead of the cap of the reservoir because pumping back fluid through the ABS could mess stuff up?

The service manual does not mention removing the reservoir cap or the bleeder though.

Conedodger

As long as you don't press the brake pedal, you should be able to put the pads and caliper back without compressing the piston on the caliper.

madcowdk

^^agreed. should be no need at all to open the bleeder though...

2poor2mod

If that's all your doing no need to buy that tool, as some have already said as long as you don't touch the pedal you can slip it all back on.

BallSackJack

thanks everyone, plan on keeping it for future use, as from what I've seen in DIY threads, there's no reason I'd ever want to pay someone to change pads/rotors again.