An important thing to remember is that whenever the break system of a car is opened up it will be necessary to bleed air out of the system. When you replace break components that are connected to the break lines (so things such as calipers, wheel cylinders, break lines, or the master cylinder) it is likely that air will get into the system as you need to disconnect the break lines to service these components. You will also loose break fluid which will also need to be replaced. When air gets into your break system it will become soft/spongy. This will be apparent when you depress the break pedal as it will not give you firm pressure right away. Air bubbles will have to be compressed by your break fluid before your breaks engage. Break fluid should be changed every once in a while regardless of break work has been done as break fluid degrades over time. More accurately, break fluid will normally collect moisture (water) over time. This lowers the boiling point of the fluid and thereby degrades break performance. Rusting/Corrosion will also occur more quickly in the caliper pistons and cylinders. It is possible to test break fluid, you can use Chemical test strips and electronic testers but since fluid is fairly inexpensive i would replace whenever you are in doubt.

Simple Break bleeding: Non-abs vehicles

The easiest way to remove the air in you break lines is to 'bleed' the system manually. This is done by opening the bleeder valves by the calipers and applying firm pressure on the break pedal and then closing the valve quickly once there is an uninterrupted stream of break fluid flowing out of the system. Make sure to repeat this procedure on each break that was serviced. Now when you apply pressure on the break pedal you should get firm pressure. Afterwards make sure to top up the brake fluid by filling the reservoir. DOT3 is the most common type of break fluid, but make sure you refer to you owners manual to get the correct type for your vehicle. Each type of fluid has different boiling points so make sure whatever you get is appropriate for your vehicle.