My sister in law has a 1999 oldsmobile cutlass.  She says she needs brakes, so I say ok no problem.  I replace calipers and pads, bleed the system to death, still poor braking.  The pads were shot, so I know they needed it.  My question is this:  Even if I only replace the front brakes, do I need to bleed front AND rear?  Any other suggestions on how to get a good stiff pedal.  This seems to be a consistant problem for me when doing brake jobs.  But I never bleed the rear either when doing just the front.  Is this my problem???

bump

Unless you open the system, change calipers, master cylinder, or a brake line,you don't have to bleed the system. You also have to "burn" the new pads in as per the directions. Are the rotors worn beyond service limit?? Did you put any lube on the sliders or guide pins?? Did you clean the rotor and caliper with cleaner?? Other then that, if it has power brakes or ABS, try bleeding them with the motor running. Also is the rotor "glazed"??

Yes, since you changed caliper you introduced air into the system. The rear must be bled.

For Non ABS cars use this sequence: RR, LR, RF, LF

For ABS cars use the same sequence.

If it has rear drums, adjust the rear brakes first, then bleed using standard sequence above.

Also for ABS vehicles, a standard bleed procedure should suffice, but If not you may need to do more complex work including priming and bleeding of both the ABS and Traction Control modulators on the ABS unit -before bleeding the brakes.