Hi folks,

I have a cliche problem, but don't know how to fix it. I did my pads, pumped up my pedal so it was hard (I didn't push it too far), and started the engine.

I have no brakes.

I'm confused, because I don't quite understand this hydraulic system, and don't know what to do next. Do I bleed the front calipers only, or them all, in the prescribed order? At this point, is MC bench bleeding my only option?

With the guidance of my friend Matt, who has a degree in Auto Repair (I trust him), I approached my brake job this way:

1. Removed caliper guide pin
2. Pulled out old pads
3. Used a block of wood and a clamp to push back the pistons (observed the MC reservoir go up to the top by the time the 2nd caliper was back)
4. Put in new pads
5. Pumped (carefully!) the pedal to return pressure to the calipers

My friend insisted to me that bleeding was not necessary before or after this. Of course, he owns a Ford. D'oh!

Ari