brake change

[Kyle Keller]

me and my dad changed my front brakes today. replaced the pads and rotors with oem replacements. everything went fine except when i got in my truck and started it and we test drove it and when we got back. i noticed that there was what looked like a big oil spot on the drivewayso i got underneath the truck to look for drips and on the left front, their was brake fluid everywhere, tire, shocks, spindle, frame, etc. and so i got in and pumped the brakes and my dad looked for a bad line or whatever and nothing happened so we dont even know what went on. anyone any ideas?

 

[Don DeShasier]

It could be that the resevior was full. when you pushed the caliper pistons back in the fluid was forced out of the resevior. This is a common problem for many new mechanics and even catches the old timers from time to time. I use a common tuekey baster to suck some of the fluid out if it is too full. DO NOT suck all the fluid out and keep the tip of the baster away from the bottom of the resevoir. Don

 

[shawn stonbraker 2]

I agree with bigdon. If you pushed the pistons abck in, that is where it came from. Especially since you didn't mention any problems with the brakes when driven.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

I am betting the same as the others. Over filled the reservoir in reverse so to speak.



Make sure you have fluid in there now, if you have no leaks while pressing/pumping the brakes, your good to go.

 

[EddieS'04]

If it was from the resivoir, there would have been fluid in the engine compartment area. Not all over the shocks wheel and spindle area..I would double check your bleeders and brake lines..If the piston was rough or cruddy. It might have cut the o-ring when you pushed it back in, and sprung a leak..

 

[Richard L]

I agee with the others, that if you pushed the pistons back in to make room for the new pads, the resevoir overflowed and that's the fluid you are seeing.



The real problem is that you should not push the pistons back in without opening the bleeder nut on the caliper. This purges the caliper of the old contaminated fluid instead of pushing the old dirt fluid back up into the ABS system, Yes, this means you will need to bleed your brakes when you are done, but it's a lot cheaper than having to replace the expensive parts in the ABS system.



You should always flush the brake fluid every 2-3 years, or everytime you change brake pads to eliminate the old contaminated fluid. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and that moisture will settle into the lowest part of the braking system...The calipers and/or wheel cylinders. Overtime this moisture will become corrosive and damage the bores of the calipers/wheel cylinders and lead to premature brake failure.



I recommend that you have your brake fluid flushed and your brakes bled.



...Rich