Bleeding Brakes after Brake Pad change Options

[Davesceli]

Do i need to bleed my brakes when i change my pads. i heard that when you compress the piston, fluid might leak out of the master cylinder.

[purplegt4]

IMO you only need to bleed the brakes if it feels spongy or feels like the brakes dont work until you press down far on the brake.

[Galcobar]

You only need to bleed your brakes when there's a chance air entered into the hydraulic system -- though if you've opened the lines, you bleed them regardless of how they feel.

The compression of the piston in the caliper may cause the brake fluid resevoir to overflow. This is on top of the master cylinder. As long as the level of brake fluid is higher than the master cylinder (aka visible in the resevoir) you're not introducing air into the master cylinder. However, the overflow, if there is any, is unlikely to be major. I found a rag wrapped around the resevoir was sufficient protection.