LUVTruck.com

I installed some new brake pads on my 80 4wd luv this weekend and when I went to push the pistons back in to accept the new pads they would not go in unless i cracked the bleeder to relieve some of the pressure, is this normal or do I have a problem

If you have the reservoir cap off you shouldnt have to loosen the bleeder.

The reservoir cap was off, like I mentioned before I could not get the pistons to go in until I loosened the bleeder. As soon as i did that they went in easily

Did you use a c clamp or a brake caliper tool to push them back in because even with the cap off they should be a little hard to push in with one of thoses tools.

Next time you are at a cheapo parts store like Harbor Frieght, pick up a huge set of cheapo channel lock pliers. They will make it a lot easier to compress the calipers. (And if that doesn't work, you can always use them to smack the heck out of the darn thing when you are pissed....lol)

Another problem could be that the rubber brake lines are bad and are not letting the fluid return correctly, this is a common problem on all cars not just LUV's. Remember how old the lines are, they should be replaced any way.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

I agree with Luvr8.
But I brake loose the bleeder anyway. It is easier on the system and helps you cycle some new fluid into it, which you should do every couple years anyway, but none of us ever do.

If the truck is new to you, I would put on new hoses and all new fluid with the new brakes. On these old trucks, if nothing else works, it's at least good to know you're gonna be able to stop.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?