Urgent Help.

[Mark_in_Tulsa]

I need to change my driver side caliper. Am I going to have to bleed all the brakes after this. Or can I just get away with the one or maybe just the fronts?

[Bish]

Depends how much leaks out during the caliper swap. If you let the line drain while you have the caliper removed, I would bleed all 4 as it may have drained up to the master cylinder. If you pull the brake line off and hang it high so it doesn't drain much, you could bleed only that wheel.

 

Never hurts to bleed then all though. I bleed all four once a year just to keep the water out.

[bobcat5544]

You only have to bleed the drivers side caliper

[krww06]

You only have to bleed the drivers side caliper

 

+1

 

As was also stated, don't let the master cylinder run dry.

 

BOOOOOOOOOOOMER! SOOOOOOOOONER!

[theno1prince]

You can buy a package of plastic caps to go over the brake line to keep it from bleeding dry. Your local auto parts store should carry them. I think it's only like a buck for a package of two.

[Westlotorn]

Good luck with your work on this. All brake fluid ages, just like antifreeze. Old brake fluid is about the only cause of Anti Lock Brake failure.

 

When anti lock goes out you are looking at a minimum of a $1500. repair.

 

Highly recommend bleeding all four and flush a little extra through to be sure you are getting very clean fluid at all 4 corners.

Check your manual but I think every 2 years is recommended now.

 

This will save you in the long run and a gallon of fluid is only $15.00 or so. Use a quality brand. A gallon will cover a couple of cars with plenty to spare.

 

Pressure bleed to make sure the master cylinder and ABS system gets worked while flushing. Make sure you never empty the master cylinder while flushing or you will install air at the beginning of the line and bleeding will need to start over. Always bleed from the farthest point to the closest to the Master Cylinder.

 

Good Luck.

 

Mark

[Mark_in_Tulsa]

Thanks guys for the help.

This was on my 06 Dodge Caravan, my Carpet Direct mobile sales room. I didn't have time to do all 4, so I just did the fronts, before my first appointment today.

 

It brakes way better than ever. Put the one new caliper on there, and went ahead and did both rotors up front with new pads of course. I go through brakes left and right in this van, because of all the weight I have from my flooring samples.

 

Thanks guys.