Kevcules
Site Supporter
Terrific write up John (@jfheath), thanks for adding some clarity to an often cloudy subject.
That being said, I do have a couple of questions as I prepare to replace my SMC. Just a straight replacement. Out with the bad, in with good. New parts are on hand, tools readily available to be mis-used and armed with the knowledge I have gained from several reading sessions on the subject.
With no experience removing any type of caliper let alone one that has a SMC attached to it, could I not just pinch off the 1, 2, and 3 brake hoses to limit the volume of fluid lost? What would I use to pinch off a brake line? Threefold reason for my question:
1) Having never done this before, I don’t know what kind of flow rate I will face by opening up the system
2) Would this not prevent too much air from entering the system?
3) I don’t work fast so this would buy me some time and awkward fumbling with plastic bags and zip ties.
I do understand that regardless, a full bleed of the brake system will be necessary once the replacement parts are in place. Guess I’m just trying to visualize how this will go.
I've got a new SMC also but haven't needed to install it yet and was thinking similar thoughts as to how it was going to go. Seems pretty straight forward besides the "huge" bleed after.
I saw a guy on YouTube recently replacing his cars brake caliper and he used a rubber valve stem to fit/slide inside the banjo fitting and stop the fluid leak temporarily, while he got ready to attach the brake line. Pretty cool idea which I will try the next time I need it.
I personally would never pinch a brake line hose.
Good luck....