Brake Bleeding? Do it before or after changing pads ?
 

My first time changing pads on my 79 SC Targa. I will be flushing the brakes while I'm at it...Is their any reason why I should be doing this in a particular order? After searching through threads on changing brake pads and bleeding brakes I did not find any comments about what order I should do the two projects.

I will be doing the gravity method for bleeding the brakes as it seems to be the simplest (I'm a mechanical novice).

Thanks for your comments on the subject, and any tips that will make these jobs go smoother.

If your pads are very worn, you will likely need to suck some fluid out of the reservoir to make room. I use a turkey baster for this. So change the fluid after you replace the pads to save the new fluid.

Don't know what you mean by gravity drain but get a pressure bleeder for a full flush. They make it very easy - well worth the $50.

Do pads first, then change your fluid. Then, the new pads will be seated against the rotors....

It makes absolutely no difference.

That said, here's my personal preference…

• Crack the bleed screw open so the pistons is easier to press back in.
• Press the piston back and close the bleed screw.
• Slide in pads
• Gravity bleed the caliper a couple oz.s
• Press the brake pedal once to seat the piston against the pad.