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Re: [oletrucks] Brake Bleeding

To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Brake Bleeding
From: "G. Simmons" <gls@4link.net>
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2000 23:05:21 -0700
>My problem is I've pumped about half a gallon of brake fluid through >just
one wheel cylinder with the Mityvac over a couple hours and I am >still
getting air through the lines.

Hi Tom,

It does take a long time to move all that air a few inches at a time from an
empty system.   Doug's comment that there may be a leak somewhere strikes me
as a likely diagnosis if you've given it a fair chance already.  I wonder if
the vacuum method draws air from the whole system rather than just the line
you're trying to bleed.  I thought I'd tell you my method, which uses
pressure from the pedal rather than vacuum from the cyllinder.  This isn't
necessarily better, but is just another technique.

The equipment required is a wrench for the bleeder valve, a short length of
aquarium tubing, a small jar with a lid, and a large clip of the sort used
for documents.

I punch a hole in the jar lid that will let the tube pass through but still
hold the jar on the tube when filled with brake fluid.

I fill the bottom of the jar with 1/2 inch of clean brake fluid, then screw
the lid on so the tube end is submerged.  The other end of the tube slips
over the bleeder valve.  Then use the clip to hold the tube to the brake
line or something that will keep the jar supported.   Any other way you can
think of to make sure the jar doesn't spill will do.

Loosen the bleeder a half turn or so, then slowly depress the pedal two or
three times and check the fluid level in the jar so you can make sure it
doesn't overflow.  When it gets full empty it down to 1/2 inch and repeat
until no bubbles appear in the tube.  Then tighten the bleeder and move on
to the next wheel.  The pedal will not become stiff till you're near the
end.

Hope these thoughts help.  May just require patience.

Regards,

Grant S.
54 3100 (mostly all there)
54 3100 (mostly not there)
55 1st 3100 (mostly rust)
Los Angeles, CA


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