Some questions for a basic brake bleed?
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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Some questions for a basic brake bleed?
Alright, this question is actually for an 81 Cadillac, but I figure that shouldn't matter too much since most brake systems are similar (at least for bleeding).
1. I replaced a rear-brake line, so does that mean I need to bleed the front brakes too?
2. I noticed the reservoir on the master cylinder was completely empty in the secondary chamber (for rear brakes), which happened since I replaced the rear brake line. How much brake fluid do I need to pump through the system to assure there is no air left?
3. I stripped one of the bleeder screws on the driver side front caliper (even after using lots of penetrating oil), but luckily it didn't break. Im assuming I only have a few options here and I better make my attempts from now on count. Does anyone have a good trick to loosening a stubborn/stripped bleeder screw? Light tapping? Heat from a torch?
4. What is the better method: 2 person traditional brake bleed, or 1 person with a hand pump? If I use a hand pump, does the master cylinder cap have to be on?
5. The brakes are power brakes, so does it help to have the vehicle running? That seems like a bad and dangerous idea, though.
Any tips would be great! I've bled brakes before, but I always find myself asking these same questions every time I do a bleeding job. Thanks guys!
1. I replaced a rear-brake line, so does that mean I need to bleed the front brakes too?
2. I noticed the reservoir on the master cylinder was completely empty in the secondary chamber (for rear brakes), which happened since I replaced the rear brake line. How much brake fluid do I need to pump through the system to assure there is no air left?
3. I stripped one of the bleeder screws on the driver side front caliper (even after using lots of penetrating oil), but luckily it didn't break. Im assuming I only have a few options here and I better make my attempts from now on count. Does anyone have a good trick to loosening a stubborn/stripped bleeder screw? Light tapping? Heat from a torch?
4. What is the better method: 2 person traditional brake bleed, or 1 person with a hand pump? If I use a hand pump, does the master cylinder cap have to be on?
5. The brakes are power brakes, so does it help to have the vehicle running? That seems like a bad and dangerous idea, though.
Any tips would be great! I've bled brakes before, but I always find myself asking these same questions every time I do a bleeding job. Thanks guys!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
1. I replaced a rear-brake line, so does that mean I need to bleed the front brakes too?
Usually.
2. > How much brake fluid do I need to pump through the system to assure there is no air left?
Fill with about a quart, pump another 1/2 through.
3. Does anyone have a good trick to loosening a stubborn/stripped bleeder screw? Light tapping? Heat from a torch?
There are a few topics on this, search for "candle". The only real success I have had is removing the caliper from the vehicle. It runs about 50/50 on replacing the caliper or just replacing the bleeder.
4. 2 person traditional brake bleed
2 person.
4. If I use a hand pump, does the master cylinder cap have to be on?
If using the pump only to suck from the bleeder, cap off. If you pump them, cap on.
5. The brakes are power brakes, so does it help to have the vehicle running?
Start with vehicle off, if brakes are squishy, with engine running for final bleed.
> That seems like a bad and dangerous idea, though.
Braking brake on, make sure the person loves you, and chock two wheels, front and back.
Usually.
2. > How much brake fluid do I need to pump through the system to assure there is no air left?
Fill with about a quart, pump another 1/2 through.
3. Does anyone have a good trick to loosening a stubborn/stripped bleeder screw? Light tapping? Heat from a torch?
There are a few topics on this, search for "candle". The only real success I have had is removing the caliper from the vehicle. It runs about 50/50 on replacing the caliper or just replacing the bleeder.
4. 2 person traditional brake bleed
2 person.
4. If I use a hand pump, does the master cylinder cap have to be on?
If using the pump only to suck from the bleeder, cap off. If you pump them, cap on.
5. The brakes are power brakes, so does it help to have the vehicle running?
Start with vehicle off, if brakes are squishy, with engine running for final bleed.
> That seems like a bad and dangerous idea, though.
Braking brake on, make sure the person loves you, and chock two wheels, front and back.