Hi, Warren,
1. I tried to bleed my brakes today using my fancy new Mitivac, and I was
disappointed. I'm looking to advice or commiseration. Here's the story: I
attached the Mitivac to the bleed screw, pumped up pressure, opened up the
bleed screw, and got only tiny quantities of brake fluid, mostly air. There
was suction, but I'm theorizing that the suction couldn't pull the brake
fluid. When I pumped the brake pedal. I was able to bleed the brakes
normally. But the Mitivac wouldn't pull the fluid through the lines. Why
not? Any successful or unsuccessful Mitivac stories out there?? Did I do
something wrong?
Never used a Mityvac but I have heard of a need to use sealant on the
threads of the bleed nipples, in order to get a vacuum. Other listers can
probably help you here.
2. Front wheel bearing adjustment: I turn the castellated nut on the front
wheel hub until it binds, then back it off until it's free. If I back it
off until it's completely free, there is (it seems to me) excessive play.
But when I tighten it up one more flat, It's not completely free. In other
words, if I give the wheel a spin, it doesn't go as long before stopping.
So my choices seem to be slight binding or excessive play. I've chosen
excessive play, but I'm still not happy. Any ideas?
When wheel bearings are adjusted correctly, you can feel a little play at
the rim-but not much. there is bound to be some friction, even if the
bearings are properly greased. It sounds like yours are loose.
3. Theory question: In the case of bleed screws, and brake line flare
connections, these are metal-to-metal connections, and they don't leak. How
can they not leak? Why is no gasket needed?
Very thin contact area with a lot of clamping force. Nearest analogy-the
valves in your engine don't have gaskets ;-).
Cheers,
David Hill
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