To bleed or not to bleed, that is the question

[1993atx]

I'm planning on replacing the pads(all around) and rotors(rear) on a '93. I have done a search on this but still wasn't sure...Question: Will I need to bleed the brakes to do this? The rear pad is quite thin, and I do have ABS. I want to do this myself, but need a little help.
Another Question: I have the instructions for replacing the front brakes from the SHOPP website-are the rear brakes pretty much the same procedure?

 

[Sho-Driver]

To change the pads, you do not need to bleed the brakes. However, it would be wise as I am guessing the brakes have not been bled in years, am I correct?

To bleed the ABS, you can get the ABS bleeder that has been discussed here, or you can go brakes hard a few times to activate the ABS, then bleed the brakes.

The rear pads will be a little different as the piston needs to be 'screwed' into the caliper. You can't just use a clamp to do this. I have done it with a pair of needle nose pliers before, but you can get the correct tool at any local parts store.

 

[masho95]

If you plan on bleeding the brakes anyways, then when doing the rears open the bleeder screw and turn the caliper pistons in. They'll go in like butter. Or should if they are working properly.

 

[NJSHO]

You should not need to bleed the ABS unless you remove the lines that go between the abs HCU and the master cylinder or you bleed the master cylinder dry. I would open the bleed screws when pushing the pistons back in and then bleed at all 4 corners in a Left Rear, Right Front, Right Rear, Right Front config. I pressed the pistons in without opening the bleed screws on my car and I ended up messing up a valve somehow in the hcu and my abs stopped working. Im sure people press pistons in all the time without hurting anything but you might want to consider bleeding.

 

[Sho-Driver]

It is a good idea to bleed the ABS. I have found air in the ABS system even without Changing anything.

 

[1993atx]

I see...I'll bleed 'em then. Thanks for the replies, I've bled the brakes on my motorcycle, which is simple. With the ABS, it sounds a bit more complicated, but I'll figure it out. Thanks again