is it an absolute MUST that i open the bleeder valve when pushing back the caliper pistons ... because i was told it wasn't ... that all that was neccessary was to open the master cylinder resevoir ... if it IS a MUST then how do i keep from getting air in the system?

 

It is a must to keep from pushing debris back into the ABS sensors. You should bleed the brakes afterwards, irregardless if you think you got air into the system or not.

I would also buy a couple containers of new DOT 3 or 4 (whatever the manual says) and flush the old brake fluid out of the system while bleeding it. Just keep pumping and adding fluid until it is nice and clear. Don't let the resevoir go dry! By doing so it will improve braking quality and make the system last longer.

 

Assuming you are only replacing the pads, There is no reason to open the bleader valve. I don't open the reservior cap either when I do brakes. Never had any problems doing it that way. Just make sure before you put it in gear, you pump the brakes until they stiffen up. Nothing more scary than pulling out of the drive and going for the brakes and...nothing. Best of luck.

 

Just download the manual from here and go by what it says.

 

Don't open the bleeder valve to change your brake pads. You will be risking air in the system for no reason. Just slowly compress the pistons with a C clamp. The manual doesn't require you open the bleed valve or remove the reservoir cap, but I've found the pistons often compress easier if the reservoir cap is removed. Just don't compress them too fast or fluid might spew from the reservoir all over your engine compartment.