USA1C5

With little time between runs at a HPDE and you needed to change brake pads would you chance it and not bleed brakes? If your brakes were bled before the event and you used up a set of pads at the event would you go out without bleeding brakes? I bleed my brakes before every event and everytime I change pads but at an event, and I had to change pads, should I bleed brakes? So far, I haven't had to change pads at an event. Up to now I've always started an event with enough pads to do the whole event. Never needed to change pads at an event. I think it would be better to bleed, but has anybody out there or has anybody heard of anyone getting bitten for not bleeding when changing pads? What say you?

davidfarmer

Fluid is changed WAY too often IMHO. Most brake fade is pad related, not fluid. If you are boiling fluid, something is wrong (not enough cooling, cheap fluid, etc) and youmust correct the reason.

Bottom line, you should not need to bleed mid event if you are using decent dot4 fluid

Aardwolf

Though if you have time it's nice to check things over. I bleed a peddle pump out in the evening after each track day when I inspect the brakes. Nut and bolt the area, check fluid and pads.

davidfarmer

Sorry wrong thread

WBHighwind

Yeah, I would take the tarp off before heading on track.

USA1C5

I just worry about when changing out pads I'm pushing all that dirty fluid further back up the lines with the new thicker pads.

with that also. Funny looking Carbon Fiber though.

USA1C5

No problem, I needed a laugh anyway.

Sidney004

Get some Speedbleeders, just crack the valve when you push the pads back and a push of the pedal when your done. An extra 60 seconds, no dirty fluid and your caliper is bled.

USA1C5

Good idea. I guess one could also do the same thing even without the speed bleeders. I just didn't think about opening the bleeder when pushing back the pads. Thanks, I'll do that.

Sidney004

The speedbleeders won't let air back into the system, that may not be the case if you just open the bleeder.

USA1C5

True, but if I open when pushing back pads, I would go ahead and bleed some after pads were installed anyway, just in case some air got in. I would bleed a little after pads were installed, with or without speedbleeders, but with opening bleeders when I pushed pads back, I shouldn't need to bleed as much to get the dirty fluid out of the system.

WNeal

Howard,
I have changed my brake pads many times at the track and usually do not bleed them at the same time.
I make sure they are bled before events etc.

Have not ever had any issues.

USA1C5

Bill, thanks for the input and the info.

Looking forward to the VIR event in about a week and a half. See you there.

WNeal

Can't wait, cross your fingers for good weather

USA1C5

Forecast for my area, about 70-75 miles (as the crow flies) NNW of VIR in the Virginia mountains is mid 50's and partly sunny for the 15/16th. So VIR should be around 60 or better (hopefully). Weather can change that far out though. Let's hope for the best. For those interested in what I'm talking about, check out: http://www.1010thsmotorsports.com/VIR_2010.html and join us.

davidfarmer

if your seals are good, you have decent fluid, and adequate cooling, your fluid shouldn't be "dirty" in a day.

longdaddy

i rarely bleed during events, sometimes I do 2-3 days without bleeding the brakes in between.

if you are not sucking in air through bad line/fitting or boiling your fluid, you're fine.

USA1C5

Good to know. I'm just use to seeing a little dirty fluid near the caliper when I bleed. However, I've never bled the brakes with just one days use on them. Thanks for info.

dfinke23

I have always opened the bleeders to push the pads back at the track. Do you use a clamp to push them back without opening the bleeders, as I think it would be tough to do it by hand? Also, I have had a couple of the speed bleeders not hold up to the heat at the track. They don't leak, but the ball valve tension spring fails and they operate just like regular bleeders.

USA1C5

Yes, I got a tool to push back the pistons. It can be used to push back just the pistons or used to push back the pad and piston. I've always changed pads at my home garage where I had plenty of time and tools. I never had to change pads at the track, yet. I can see where opening the bleeders would make pushing back pads/pistons would be easier and no tool needed.