A car w/ ABS/AST-Is bleeding the brakes

[alonzomosley]

Is bleeding the brakes necessary after changing the front brake pads and rotors on a car that has an ABS/AST brakeing/traction system?

I have a 1994 325ic and I would like to change the front brake pads and rotors but I am not confident enough to bleed the system. I have read that cars with ABS/AST brakeing need specific bleeding procedurs that should only be performed by a dealer for safety reasons...Source(3 series service manual by Bently Publisers)
Aslo;
The manual states in the caliper removal section "to loosen the brake hose fitting"
It also goes on to state that if any bake fluid was removed or loosened that the system must be bleed.

1.) Can I remove the calipers w/o loosening the brake hose fitting -If so are there any repurcussions?

2.) Does anyone have a quality source that describs the brake bleeding procedures for a car w/ ABS/AST?

Thanks,
Alonzo Mosely

[007ben]

Welcome to the forums.

Bleeding the system won't hurt (unless you do it wrong or break something.) and couldnt be a bad idea...

i belive its same as any other car to bleed the system.

[alonzomosley]

Thanks...
I have bleeding procedures but it is not recommneded for cars w/ ABS/AST setup. So I don't plan on using it. Do you know of a site that might have a procedure for cars w/ ABS/AST setup?

[alonzomosley]

Thanks...Can you recommend another site that might have procedures posted?

[007ben]

Try the FAQs.
there maybe something there.

[heifetz17]

I believe bleeding is necessary no matter what kind of braking system you have. Am I wrong?

[camnipotent]

I would think you're right. You have to top off the fluid as it is, and any air bubbles would cause serious problems. Bleed them.

[El Presidente]

It is best to bleed the brakes, top off fluid, and change the pads and rotors at the same time. Rarely do all occur at the same time. If you wanted to, you can bleed them. If they don't feel like they need it, then don't owrry about it. However, the best time to top off the fluid is when all pads and rotors are new, so that way the calipers are at their max setting. If you bleed and top off when the pads are worn down, when it comes time to change the pads, you will actually force fluid out of the system.

[alonzomosley]

Thank you all for your input...I appreciate it.