Hi Bonzo,
Just to reiterate Bob's comment do not bleed the brakes by pumping the pedal get a pressure bleeder and take the opportunity to flush the brakes right out. Consider using ATE Super Blue fluid and then you can clearly see when you have got all the old out. The next time use the Castrol LMA fluid and you will be able to see when all blue is gone. Using them turn and turn about guarantees that you alwaays ee a total flush. Flush every two years as a rule of thumb.
Regards,
Checkpoint Charlie

I have never bled at all when changing rear calipers. I make sure the line fitting willl come off and then retighten it. Then I take off the caliper bolts and hang the old caliper with line attached. I mount the new caliper and then transfer the brake line. As long as you don't take 10 minutes to transferr the line you will not loose much fluid. Then open the bleeder screw and the caliper will gravity bleed. When fluid starts dripping out the air should be out of the caliper, and you are ready to go. You should not have to bleed any other wheel unless you let the master cylinder run dry.

If you want to loose even less fluid jam the brake pedal down about an inch before you open the system. This will airlock it and no fluid will drip out while you are changing the brake line.

This has always worked for me changing rear calipers, flex hoses, hard lines and front calipers (non abs and abs).

This is how I change brake fluid too. I put a coffee can under the caliper and open the bleeder. Make sure the resevoir is full and leave it for about 10 minutes. Repeat for the remaining wheels.

I never blled the brakes when I just replace the pads. If you want to you can just bled the rears. However, if the fluid has neve rbeen change, it would be a good idea to change the fluid. Use a power flusher, don't use the 'press the brakes meathod" you will cause damage.


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1993 Volvo 245 with a banged up nose