When bleeding a brake...

Simple Jumper

... Do you have to take the wheel and pads out?

i.e; will the brake still feel the same as if you did?

nicklouse

well most brakes require you to push the pistons all the way back in. it is easier to do with no wheel or pads in the way.

And i seem to have lost count of people who have not removed the pads and ended up with brake fluid all over the pads.

take them out.

3148wood

Take your wheel and pads out to avoid getting brake fluiid on your disc or pads, and so that you don't get fluid on your rims because it takes paint off, if you get fluid on anything, wash it immediately with clean water, but don't get any water in your fluid because it degrades the fluid.

When you have pushed the pistons back wedge them back with something like a piece of wood so that they don't come out while you are bleeding your brakes.

wwjjtt

you shouldn't really bleed brakes unless you know what your doing. but you can leave them in.

Big Red S

You can quite successfully bleed brakes without taking the wheel or pads out.

You'll probably have difficulties when you come to replace the pads, though, since the system will be full of fluid with the pistons slightly out. And you'll need to replace the pads soon after bleeding because they'll be covered in fluid.

It's not a good idea, but it's possible.

clarkson

it is possible; ive done i before, but i was only doing a 'quick' bleed. if im doing it properly, i take them out. its better than getting fluid on the opads.