I just replaced the front pads and rotors on my '91. All went well except the brakes are now spongy. I know this usually means air but I don't understand how air could get in the line when no lines were broke and the resevoir was totally full. Did I screw something else up? I would have just went ahead and bled the lines already but they are very rusted and I am pretty sure I'm in for trouble.

Any insight?

I am also a little worried about the back brakes. Is there any way to inspect the drums / pads without pulling the entire hub?

 

When you replaced the parts you said you did. The cylinder had to be moved to a new position which it was at when new. So some air could leak in. also it may suggest that there is a bad seal or corrosion in the actuator circut.
No there ain't no way to really inspect the rear brakes without removing the Hub.

 

Please bear with me. I am short on knowledge but I am usually a pretty quick study.

The cylinder you speak of...I assume this is the round piston on the caliper that forces the pads shut. I used a "C" clap to force this open this in order to accomodate the new pads. I still don't understand how this would allow air to leak in?

When I inspected the cylinder I noticed that the rubber boot was slightly cracked. Is this going to cause problems? Is this maybe the source of my problems?

Actuator circut???? I have no idea what this is. Is this kind of like the dropshift in the shavako or more like a one way foo foo valve for a ducks ****?

Maybe I am in over my head.

 

YES to all. Cracked boot is a dead giveaway. Your problem ain't going away until you rebuild the calipers.