When to and when NOT to push back caliper piston?

[Camilo]

When do you and when do you not have to push the piston back to its position? I noticed it was not done in this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKpmBvfVYZg&index=35&list=PLC13ECF5B9944E180), but in the other brake videos, the piston is pushed back. I understand that when pushing the piston back inside, the brake fluid should be bled to avoid damaging the master cylinder.

If anyone could please clarify this for me, that would be great.

thanks!

Topic

[Andy]

if its a japanese or asian vehicle
go right ahead and push it in without bleeding.
American vehicles, not so much, better to bleed it.

u only have to push it in when installing new brake pads, because they will be thicker and need more room for the caliper to go in.

[Lorrin Barth]

The answer is that you push the piston(s) back when you cannot fit the caliper to the rotor without pushing the piston(s) back. What you do with the brake fluid, push it back to the master cylinder or bleed it at the wheel, is a separate issue.

[Its me]

A technique I have learned is when after pushing back pistons is to GENTLY push the brake pedal to firmness…

Light little taps, and inch or less…. 2 to 5 to 10 times as necessary… Don’t get in and mash the brake down…. little love taps…. Never an issue… 🙂

JMHO…

-Karl

[Author]

Replies