noob question about bleeding brakes

[wildcard50]

I was told if you replace the pads or the pads and rotors you should bleed the brakes.Is this true or can i replace the brake pads and bleed later?

[shu5892001]

You can bleed it later, if it's necessary. If not, you don't have to bleed at all.

[PearlM3]

You won't need to bleed the brakes unless you've opened the system and let air in. And if you've done that you've changed the pads/rotors wrong

[breakfasteatre]

sounds like something a mechanic told you should do after he replaced the pads and rotors

[wildcard50]

Thanks guys, actually i read it on another mazda3 forum, it was the first i have heard of it but i wanted to make sure:D

[speed77]

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over time. The more moisture in the fluid, the lower the boiling point will be. Moisture in the fluid also contributes to corrosion in the system.

It's a good idea to bleed your brakes every year or two. I bleed mine just about everytime I go to the track. Anyone who tells you that brake fluid doesn't need to be replaced periodically hasn't seen what used fluid looks like compared to new fluid.

If you want a decent cheap fluid, pick up the "Ford" brake fluid they sell at Crappy tire. It's got a higher boiling point than the regulat DOT3 fluid they sell and doesn't cost much more. If you are lazy and don't like to bleed brakes often, stay away from "racing" fluids with super high boiling points as they tend to absorb moisture quicker than "regular" brake fluids as they are typically replaced frequently in a racing environment.

[wildcard50]

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air over time. The more moisture in the fluid, the lower the boiling point will be. Moisture in the fluid also contributes to corrosion in the system.

It's a good idea to bleed your brakes every year or two. I bleed mine just about everytime I go to the track. Anyone who tells you that brake fluid doesn't need to be replaced periodically hasn't seen what used fluid looks like compared to new fluid.

If you want a decent cheap fluid, pick up the "Ford" brake fluid they sell at Crappy tire. It's got a higher boiling point than the regulat DOT3 fluid they sell and doesn't cost much more. If you are lazy and don't like to bleed brakes often, stay away from "racing" fluids with super high boiling points as they tend to absorb moisture quicker than "regular" brake fluids as they are typically replaced frequently in a racing environment.

I guess it's a good thing to upgrade to stainless steel brake lines, which is on my list

[breakfasteatre]

with my old subaru, i noticed no difference going from stock to braided stainless lines. Im sure if i autocrossed and/or tracked i might but in everyday driving, no difference.



back to brake bleeding, taking into account the clutch, at one point should it be bled, before the calipers, somewhere in the middle, or after?


btw the ford dot3 brake fluid is the same price as the other fluids

[McGuyver_3]

I disagree with you on this one. the braided lines do make a difference, mind you I am on the highway alot stuff does tend to get hot quick. Maybe thats why I notice a difference
As for the brake fluid flush 1 time every 2 years should be fine. Brake fluid still breaks down and can attract moisture in the lines


with my old subaru, i noticed no difference going from stock to braided stainless lines. Im sure if i autocrossed and/or tracked i might but in everyday driving, no difference.



back to brake bleeding, taking into account the clutch, at one point should it be bled, before the calipers, somewhere in the middle, or after?


btw the ford dot3 brake fluid is the same price as the other fluids