Has anyone replaced Brakes on 03'?

[ACerf]

I need to replace the front brakes on my 03'. Is there anything special I need to know before I start, or is about the same as any other vehicle?

 

[Matt400]

be sure to open the bleeder when pushing the piston back onto the caliper, ABS systems are sensitive to the junk that collects in the bottom of the system... the calipers.



How many miles is on yours?

 

[rbattelle]

be sure to open the bleeder when pushing the piston back onto the caliper, ABS systems are sensitive to the junk that collects in the bottom of the system... the calipers.

I've never heard this. Does that much crud really collect in the brake pistons?



Last weekend helped a friend do a brake job on a 98 Grand Cherokee. We forgot to uncap the master cylinder when pushing the brake pistons back into the bores. Oops.



-Ryan #ad

 

[Matt400]

Its just good practice. Years ago on non ABS systems it wasn't that big of deal to push the stuff upstream into the Master cylinder, it had to be real bad to cause any trouble. Now days ABS units are so complex in there inetrworkings they have no user serviceable parts inside and no kits sold. Super expensive to replace.



If fluid is kept changed every 2 years thats a plus but the ones I see that have trouble are 5 yr and and older models where the fella compressed the pistons with the bleeder shut and then gets an ABS lamp that leads to a complete unit after flushing is unsuccessful.

 

[ACerf]

Matt... . I am about to turn 30K. I think that is pretty good since I pull a fifth wheel. E brake would have made them last longer, if DC would let me put one on my 48RE! I am concerned that if I open the bleed valve that I will not get the pressure back. And I don't have a bleeder. I usually have just uncapped the master cylinder, and slowly pushed the piston back. For the first time this should be okay.

 

[Eric_77]

I bleed the brakes once a year. Geno's sells some good DOT5. 1 or get as high a temp rating DOT4 as you can find (valvoline syn something or another is easily found and almost as high as DOT5. 1) DO NOT use DOT5 it is incompatible and will ruin brake seals.

Brake fluid DOT3-4 and DOT5. 1 absorb water to prevent corrosion and water in brake system that will boil and lead to brake failure, The brake fluid can only absorb so much water and as it gets more water it goes from a clear fluid to a brown fluid.

Without a mity-vac bleeder it is a two person job, but I also think it does a better job than the vac-bleeders do.

 

[Matt400]

I am concerned that if I open the bleed valve that I will not get the pressure back. And I don't have a bleeder. I usually have just uncapped the master cylinder, and slowly pushed the piston back. For the first time this should be okay.

I still wouldn't risk it, if you open the bleeder- press the piston back and then. . close the bleeder its much better than pressing fluid backwards through the ABS unit. When your finished just open the bleeder once again to let some fluid run out in case any air was pulled in while you were closing the bleeder. Be sure to operate the brake pedal before moving the truck as the first few strokes go way down as the piston moves the new pads out to the rotor.

 

[DFrank]

What pads are folks using. I read a thread about it earlier in the fall, but can't seem to find it now.

 

[ACerf]

Matt... . if you open the bleeder, do you still remove the Master Cylinder cap?

 

[ACerf]

DFrank... I am using OEM brakes. I have found that I get the best performance and wear from OEM brakes.

 

[Matt400]

Matt... . if you open the bleeder, do you still remove the Master Cylinder cap?

I don't, that way pressure is sure to go out the bleeder.