-----Original Message-----
From: owner-healeys@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-healeys@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of grabow.berniel@kendle.com
Sent: 09 March 2006 12:08
To: healeys@autox.team.net
Subject: Is Bench Bleeding Necessary?
The 10 year restoration of my 1966 BJ8 is about completed and I am having
trouble getting the brakes bled. I replaced all brake lines, master
cylinder, and brake servo, I filled the brake reservoir with synthetic
brake fluid and bled the brakes. After bleeding I find that the brake
pedal is still soft and spongey. I have to pump the brake pedal to get
braking action. So, I bled the brakes again and saw no air bubbles
exiting at the wheel cylinders and calipers nor at the servo bleed screw.
I checked all the fittings and have found no leaks. Is it necessary for
me to remove the brake master cylinder and bench bleed it? Will this solve
the problem?
Bernie
I had this problem. Perusing the workshop manual - never a bad start - told
me that you may have to close the bleed nipples as your partner is still
depressing the pedal ie whilst it is still moving down. Otherwise, a little
air is sucked back into the system past the threads. (Chapter M, Section M.2
in my book).
In my case, the rear drums proved to be the culprits and the front discs
were OK......indicating that the drums' threads either wear a little quicker
or they are more susceptible in the first place.
Latterly I've used Speedbleeders, available in USA.
http://www.speedbleeder.com/
In conclusion, Speedbleeders work fine the first time, but the fluid seems
to soften the thread sealant with which they come supplied. If you have to
use them again, recoat with sealant which they sell along with the pipe/bag
etcetc.
Have fun,
Simon
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