Removing brake calipers, should I bleed brakes?

[Pondrew]

Hi, me again with another question (I know it's a bit like "mechanics 101" )

I am taking off my brake calipers to clean them up and paint them. I won't be replacing pads yet, but just wondered if I should bleed the brakes when I put them back?

I can't see any reason to but then I'm no mechanic!!

 

[jabber]

As long as you aren’t taking the brake hose off there is no need too

 

[enuff_zed]

As long as you aren’t taking the brake hose off there is no need too

As in, unbolting the calliper but leaving it hanging with the hose still connected.

But if you disconnect the hose from the calliper then yes, you do need to bleed it afterwards.
Be aware that fluid will drain out of both the hose and the calliper. You need to blank both ends and can also put cling-film under the reservoir cap which will create a vacuum and minimise drain down from the hose.

 

[Rockhopper]

As said try and cap the flexi some how to stop the fluid draining out. Hose clamps are good but i wouldn't use them long term or you risk damaging the hose.

 

[Pondrew]

Thanks.
I am cleaning and painting them in situ, I just have to use a very small brush. The wife is going to struggle to put her make-up on as I've nicked all her brushes.

 

[Rockhopper]

Don't let the calipers hang on the flexi's tie them up with a bungy cord or similar.

 

[enuff_zed]

Don't let the calipers hang on the flexi's tie them up with a bungy cord or similar.

But if they are hanging loose in the wheel arch then it is almost easier to leave them bolted on as they won't move around when you try to apply the paint.

 

[mr.tourette]

Don't let the calipers hang on the flexi's tie them up with a bungy cord or similar.

But if they are hanging loose in the wheel arch then it is almost easier to leave them bolted on as they won't move around when you try to apply the paint.

Probably needs to remove them to paint the hub properly

 

[enuff_zed]

Don't let the calipers hang on the flexi's tie them up with a bungy cord or similar.

But if they are hanging loose in the wheel arch then it is almost easier to leave them bolted on as they won't move around when you try to apply the paint.

Probably needs to remove them to paint the hub properly

Did mine in situ and just stuck a bolt back in the hub so I could turn it to reach it all.

 

[Smartbear]

But if they are hanging loose in the wheel arch then it is almost easier to leave them bolted on as they won't move around when you try to apply the paint.

Probably needs to remove them to paint the hub properly

Did mine in situ and just stuck a bolt back in the hub so I could turn it to reach it all.

A bolt in time saves nine :?
Rob

 

[mr.tourette]

But if they are hanging loose in the wheel arch then it is almost easier to leave them bolted on as they won't move around when you try to apply the paint.

Probably needs to remove them to paint the hub properly

Did mine in situ and just stuck a bolt back in the hub so I could turn it to reach it all.

Was your handbrake not on when jacked up? Obviously not such an issue rotating the front but I assumed for the rears whipping the calipers off would be easier?

 

[enuff_zed]

Probably needs to remove them to paint the hub properly

Did mine in situ and just stuck a bolt back in the hub so I could turn it to reach it all.

Was your handbrake not on when jacked up? Obviously not such an issue rotating the front but I assumed for the rears whipping the calipers off would be easier?

Nope.
I did one side at a time in my garage and turned the car round to have enough room to do the other side.
Handbrake off and opposite side wheels chocked.
Of course, with the fronts you can also turn the steering to give better access.
I managed to get my head inside the wheel arch to see what I was doing.
First attempt was a disaster, but after my eye stopped watering, I found a paintbrush with a shorter handle and it all went well. :roll:

 

[mr.tourette]

Good to know I'll be doing mine soon and had wondered if I would get away with chocking it to save removing the caliper