I can't fathom why people remove the brake line to replace pads.


As far as knowing when enough is enough, same as bleeding with a helper. When you see the new fluid you're done, or when you think it's done. Either way you bleed the system, there's some guess work involved.

 

Thats why I prefer the clear tubing with brake pedal being depressed. Youre done with you have clean fluid and no bubbles. ....and a firm pedal.

 

Gravity bleeding really doesn't take long. I also have the HF cheapo vacuum bleeder kit, which is a good way to get the fluid moving, but you still have the clear tube running from the nipple into a cup, and you have the inverted bottle sitting in the reservoir making sure it doesn't run dry. The fluid runs rather quickly.

 

Good to know. Thanks.

 

Let me change this, the fluid "should run rather quickly". I'm not sure about the Ford OEM hoses in our trucks, but in general the flexible part of the OEM hoses can deteriorate internally and can restrict fluid flow. In some cases it can act like a check valve against return flow after you lift your foot off the pedal, not so bad on spring assisted drum shoes, but can lead to additional pad wear and heat with discs, or worse yet drag. So if you try gravity bleeding and the fluid isn't flowing well, that could be a sign of some obstruction in your lines.

 

Thats really good info.

 

I'd like to know what everyone does with the old brake fluid, that stuff is so nasty it could be used as a paint and varnish remover but it's not petroleum based so I don't think it goes in with the used motor oil.

 

I gets recycled with engine oil / tranny oil...

 

Weed killer and/or customizing that crappy neighbor's paint job.

 

It can be dumped with used oil, but don't know if the recyclers like it or not.

 

Same with mine.

Stewart