When you compress the caliper piston to make room for the new brake pads, you are pushing brake fluid back up the brake line. This can introduce air bubbles into the brake fluid. Air bubbles in the brake fluid can cause a spongy brake pedal and reduced braking performance.
Bleeding the brakes will help to remove any air bubbles from the brake lines and ensure that the brakes are working properly.
Here is a general guide on how to bleed the brakes on a 2000 Mazda Protege:
1. Gather the following tools and materials:
- A brake fluid bleeding kit
- A bottle of DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
- A funnel
- A wrench
- A hose
2. Open the hood of your car and locate the master cylinder. The master cylinder is usually located near the back of the engine compartment on the driver's side.
3. Remove the cap from the master cylinder.
4. Attach the hose from the brake fluid bleeding kit to the bleeder screw on the brake caliper. The bleeder screw is usually located on the back of the caliper near the top.
5. Open the bleeder screw slightly.
6. Depress the brake pedal slowly and smoothly until the brake fluid comes out of the hose and into the bottle.
7. Close the bleeder screw.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 until there are no more air bubbles in the brake fluid.
9. Fill the master cylinder with brake fluid until the fluid level is between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks.
10. Close the cap on the master cylinder.
Bleeding the brakes can be a messy job, so be sure to wear gloves and eye protection. It is also important to keep the brake fluid clean. Do not allow dirt or debris to enter the brake fluid.
If you are not comfortable bleeding the brakes yourself, you can take your car to a qualified mechanic to have the job done.
