changing brake caliper without loosing brake fluids

[vrooom]

I want to change the brake caliper without brake fluid pissing all over the drive... I was told i can put clingfilm under the brake cap on master cylinder.. that will reduce the fluid loss. will this cling film method work?

I know i will have to bleed the brakes again, this is no problem.

What about those hose clamp? is this bad idea as it can damage the rubber hoses ?

[paintman]

Used the clingfilm trick many times esp when changing the hoses & not had a problem with it. Only issue can be if the cap has a built in level sensor, but I've got a pressure bleeder so I just use one of the caps from that. Retaining the clingfilm with elastic bands around the reservoir would likely work but I've never tried it.
Get proper brake hose clamps, again I've used them for years & never had an issue. The type I've got are these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-11534-Hose-Clamp/dp...
You will still need to bleed the section of the system you are working on.
To avoid any spillage issues use an old piece of carpet under the area you're working on. More comfortable than kneeling on the ground too!

Edited by paintman on Thursday 9th April 01:53

[PaulKemp]

I use brake hose clamps on the flexi pipes.

[sospan]

How old is your brake fluid?
It may be a good plan to replace it if 2 years+.
Means a bit more work bleeding but worth it. You are breaking into the system anyway.
If you have a pressure perated eezi bleed type tool be carwfulthough!
Too high a pressure pushes the new fluid through too fast!
Nearly caught me out he first time I used one. Used spare tyre at 20psi......much too high!
Dropped it to 10psi the second time...still a good flow needing watchingthough.

[steveo3002]

cling film and or hold the pedal down with a stick

tbh you wont drop lots of fluid if you nip about , just slide a bit of cardboaard under the car

worth flushing new fluid through the whole lot after youre done

[one eyed mick]

Dont use clamps with braided line or you will be buying new ones!!!

[TallPaul]

Force the pedal down with a stick as previously suggested, this closes the braking circuit so after the intial loss of fluid when undoing the brake pipe, you wont loose any more fluid and the master cylinder wont empty. In time capillary action will drain the rest of that brake line but it'll take a while.