Help! Problem bleeding brakes
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
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Help! Problem bleeding brakes
Just put new front disc calipers on my '81 F-150 (manual brakes). I can't get any fluid to pump to the calipers when trying to bleed. Started by bleeding the rear brakes - no problem - pumped the air out - started getting a little pedal. When trying to bleed the new calipers - nothing - pedal goes to the floor with no air or fluid.
Open-close-open-close-pump-pump-pump---no pedal at all...
Master cylinder-OK
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks - Dave
Open-close-open-close-pump-pump-pump---no pedal at all...
Master cylinder-OK
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks - Dave
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
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Help! Problem bleeding brakes
try disconnecting the brake lines off the caliper, have someone pump the pedal to check if fluid is making it to the end of the line, if your getting fluid, check screw fitting going into the caliper, it may be clogged, if you not getting fluid the line is probably clogged.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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Help! Problem bleeding brakes
Make sure the calipers are installed correctly. Calipers can be installed on the wrong side which places the bleeder on the side rather than the top.
You can buy a manual vacum pump to draw the fluid into the caliper. I have not done this but I know they are out there.
Master cylinders can go bad at any time. Mine went during a caliper rotor change and the brakes would not blead properly. Changed the MC and fixed the problem.
Last resort limp to the nearest dealer and bring $300 with you because they will recommend replacing the MC.
You can buy a manual vacum pump to draw the fluid into the caliper. I have not done this but I know they are out there.
Master cylinders can go bad at any time. Mine went during a caliper rotor change and the brakes would not blead properly. Changed the MC and fixed the problem.
Last resort limp to the nearest dealer and bring $300 with you because they will recommend replacing the MC.
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Help! Problem bleeding brakes
Hey Guys - Thanks for the replys. A little more information. Checked that the calipers are installed correctly. Brake lines and bolt are clear but even with lines off, no fluid comes out when pumping pedal. Pretty sure master cyl. is OK because I can bleed the rear brakes.
Think about this: The front and rear brake lines from the MC go into a manifold device and then distribute the lines - 2 lines to the rear and 2 lines to the front. Is this just a splitter or does it have proportioning valve in it? With the front lines and calipers with no fluid in them be keeping the valve from sending fluid to the front? If so, how do you get it to give me fluid to the front lines?
Thanks again for the great input!
Dave
Think about this: The front and rear brake lines from the MC go into a manifold device and then distribute the lines - 2 lines to the rear and 2 lines to the front. Is this just a splitter or does it have proportioning valve in it? With the front lines and calipers with no fluid in them be keeping the valve from sending fluid to the front? If so, how do you get it to give me fluid to the front lines?
Thanks again for the great input!
Dave
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Junior User
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Help! Problem bleeding brakes
Did the fluid in the MC run too low. There is a procedure in the Hynes manual to reset the proportioning valve. I have never done it but do remember seeing it.
Could still be the MC. This year truck has seperate sections of the MC for the front and rear.
Could still be the MC. This year truck has seperate sections of the MC for the front and rear.
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Help! Problem bleeding brakes
Pull the rear fitting off the master cylinder. This is the one that goes to the front brakes. Are you getting any fluid there? Also have you had the truck towed to your home so you can work on it? Sometimes when people hook something underneath the truck, the hook or whatever they are using pinches the steel line shut.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Crosby TX
Help! Problem bleeding brakes
You do have a proportioning valve as you identified it.
Start at the master cylinder and disconnect the lines. Pump the brakes to see where you stop getting pressure.
Also, your master cylinder is a dual unit with one section for the rear brakes and one section for the front brakes. I have seen one section bad and the other work.
Start at the master cylinder and disconnect the lines. Pump the brakes to see where you stop getting pressure.
Also, your master cylinder is a dual unit with one section for the rear brakes and one section for the front brakes. I have seen one section bad and the other work.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Help! Problem bleeding brakes
I *just* bled the brakes and replaced a wheel cyl on my 92 f150.
I had the same symptoms as you while I was trying to bleed the new wheel cyl.
Luckly I happend to have a vaccuum pump in the tool box.
I STILL had to rouse the wife out of the air cond to help stomp on the brake pedal to get the stop juice flowing though.
I'm thinking this(air) might be your problem. The pumps are only $25 and worth their weight in gold for troubleshooting vaccuum problems and bleeding brakes.
Chad
I had the same symptoms as you while I was trying to bleed the new wheel cyl.
Luckly I happend to have a vaccuum pump in the tool box.
I STILL had to rouse the wife out of the air cond to help stomp on the brake pedal to get the stop juice flowing though.
I'm thinking this(air) might be your problem. The pumps are only $25 and worth their weight in gold for troubleshooting vaccuum problems and bleeding brakes.
Chad
