How do you release the pressure in the brake lines for changing brake pads?

Question

I'm changing the brake pads on my car, but I need to release the brake pressure to get them off. How do I do this?

Answer 1

I use a large C clamp to compress the brake cylinder...Use a piece of flat wood so you dont nick the cylinder....

Answer 2

remove cap on master take a screwdriver and pry between pad  it Will go by not hard... you can take them off and push them back with a big c- clamp but ive always found a screwdriver works faster been doing it that way for a few 1000 cars never had any problems when i started back in the 70's not hard and much cheaper to do it your self here Will help give you a ideal...any ways i pry the caliber back some and then behind the back side on th epad and it will push the piston back so you can get it off sometime you can push it all the way if not use a big c-clamp or a big pair of slip pliers

Answer 3

As soon as the car is turned off there is no pressure in the brake system. The easiest way to compress the caliper pistons back to their full seated position is with a carpenters sliding C-clamp. They're avalable at wood working, hardware stores and Sears.

Some rear calipers have indents or notches in two places around the faces of the piston. In that case you'll need a hardened inexpensive 3/8  square tool from an auto parts store. It fits a short socket extension and slides inside the notches. Slowely s***w clockwide the piston back inside the rear calipers.

If your rear caliper pistons have no notches simply squeeze them back  using the sliding bar C- clamp.

Answer 4

You dont let air out, instead you push the fluid/compression back. You can use a C-Clamp (mini vice basically) and compress the cylinder away and put the brake pads in, then take the c clamp off.

   Make sure you pump your brakes before driving away to make sure a tight pedal.

Answer 5

Loosen the bleeder s***w slightly and if you don't have the proper push tool just use channel locks. Just remember to tighten the bleeder again.