opening brake fluid reservoir cap when changing brake pads?

Question

I have an 2010 infiniti g37x and I'd like to do a rear brake pad change because the dealership wants 389.00, this isn't even the sports model.

My question is when compressing the piston/cylinder back into the caliper do I need to pop open the brake fluid reservoir cap? Or can I just preform the rear brake pad change without ever opening the brake fluid tank.

Thanks

Answer 1

My guess is that your Emergency Brake is part of the rear brake set up. If so chances are you can not just push in the caliper pistons with a C- Clamp like you can do on the fronts. They would need to be spun back in. There is a tool for this and chances are you can get it at any auto parts store. Many loan the tool for free. Either way though removing the cap to the master cylinder will make it easier. Just watch out for fluid overflowing out of there as you push it back up the brake line.

Answer 2

Open the master reservoir cap and then slowly drive the caliper piston back in with a large C clamp. On reinstall, top it off as you bleed so it stays full enough but not over the full mark as you bleed the lines slowly.



I always enlist a helper to pump the pedal for me. With a bleeder tube into a jar of fluid to stop return air suck, open the bleeder and have the helper slowly push the pedal to the floor and hold it. Loosely tighten the bleeder, then tell them to let off the pedal. Repeat as many times as needed, 2-3 pumps after no more bubbles come out.



Add; you don't have to bleed if you don't break the lines open but chances are that you will find a caliper with a bad dust boot or stuck piston and need to change it. Remember, if you get in too deep in the driveway and stress a flex line or something goes wrong, you should be ready to change out a caliper or flex line if cracked on inspection before you tender the thought of doing it on your own. Brakes are always best done right.

Answer 3

Use a "clean / new turkey baster" to remove some fluid off of the top of the master. Discard into a water bottle and throw that away. When done, add fresh brake fluid . Now your master has all fresh fluid. I don't know about the parking brake setup as Ralph explained.

Answer 4

you should look at youtube for any vehicle that is shown as having the brakes being bled - it's easier than try to explain all the steps here

Answer 5

it's likely to overflow, so I would clean it and take it off.