I've always opened the bleeders when compressing the caliper pistons, even on cars without ABS. I never gave it much thought until this post. Started doing it that way on old Fords to avoid pushing brake fluid out the master cylinder and onto the engine.
I do a complete flush/bleeding of the entire system anyway whenever I change any brake component (even pads). I have simple tools that make bleeding very easy ââ?¬â?? The most useful is a siphon fixture that screws onto a quart of brake fluid and keeps the master cylinder reservoir filled (brake fluid bottle is placed upside down on the master cylinder reservoir).
If you just want to change pads without having to bleed the system, then don�t mess with the bleeder fittings.
It's interesting that screwing the rear caliper pistons in does not displace any fluid - I didn't know that.
99 Tropic Green SVT, Tan Leather, 20K miles, "Nice Twin" (factory stock).
99 Tropic Green SVT, Tan Leather, 28K miles, "Evil Twin" (Turbo AER 3L and more in progress)
96 Red LX, Opal Grey Leather 2.5L, ATX, 22K miles
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