Put new pads on the front end of my 97' 4.6 4x4. I was told I didn't have to bleed after I compressed the cylinders to put the pads on but now my pedal is very spongy. I have to pump to stop. Do I need to bleed them?

 

i'd bleed them.

 

check for leaks, then bleed if you don't find leaks.

If you had a brake line that was close to failing, it might be leaking after you worked on the area (from bumping it, flexing it, etc).

If you find leak, repair that and then you definitely need to bleed.

If you don't find a leak, bleed them and then see how the pedal feels. Maybe at some point you let some air into the system (like if you side-load the caliper piston while pushing it back, some air might leak around the seals.)

 

What does side-load the caliper piston mean?

 

If you used the old pad, or, the compression tool to get the pistons back, then don't worry about that side load comment.

Like others have stated, look for a leak and then bleed the system. I will also add, you need to check the rubber lines for bulges. The inner core of these lines can be broken and causing an internal leak. I use a large brick and lay it on the pedal while I crawl under the truck to check the lines. This makes sure it is under pressure and anything such as leaks or bulges will be magnified, like when braking.

 

side load means not pushing the piston straight back... if you push it on an angle then you push it to the side of the bore and perhaps allow air past the seal.