Put new front brake pads on last night... Was pretty impressed how easy it was. I never had to disconnect the brake line, so I never lost any fluid or had to worry about getting air in the line. Is there any reason to bleed the line at all?

 

Only if the pedal feels "soft" when you press it. Otherwise, it's fine.

Did you also have the rotors turned or replaced? Just changing the pads is really only a partial brake job. Better then nothing, but you may notice some wobbling or shudder when braking due to warpage of the rotors. It's just a natural thing that happens to them as they heat and cool over time.

 

Does your truck have 4 wheel abs? If it does you pushed all the crap in the brake line into the abs pump. I'd bleed the brakes to get it out of the pump. A pro mechanic friend of mine told me to open the bleeder before pushing the piston into the caliper to prevent this.

 

Actually if anything the pedal probably feels firmer now than it was which I guess is good. Did not turn the rotors - i'm only at 60,000 miles and didn't think it was necessary... From what I have read on here it seems most people didn't need there rotors turned until the second brake job anyways. Visually they looked perfect and I had not noticed any vibration so I assumed I was ok...

 

No I only have read ABS. I did notice it pushing the fluid back into the brake fluid container (where you add brake fluid) though. It was much more full after pushing the pistons in the caliper back.

 

YES, absolutely!

That is one of the most neglected maintenance items on a vehicle! Brake fluid should be flushed once a year! It is a clear fluid, slight tint of yellow. NOT COFFEE colored! Brake fluid also absorbs moisture, and that is how it turns brown. If left long enough, you will start rusting parts from the inside. Pistons, brake lines, MCs.

If you ever use your brakes hard like on long grades, that will heat everything up. If the fluid is neglected, be prepared to use one of the emergency ramps as it will boil!

YES, flush the system. Your truck is over 2 years old now. Time to do some maintenance.

 

I've actually done all the maintenance the manual calls for. I talked to the service manager of my dealership yesterday and he said there's no reason to flush the brake fluid at all. Guess it's like everything else - just a matter of who you talk to!

 

Yes like Matt said it should be changed.. I just changed mine last Saturday, it looks coffee coming out . It should be almost clear fluid . this maintenance will save you $$ in the long run..

 

I'd do it if I was in there. It only takes about 30 mins to do the traditional way. Get someone else to pump the brakes