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Re: [oletrucks] Brake Bleeding

To: "tcape" <tcape@weblnk.net>, <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Brake Bleeding
From: "G. Simmons" <gls@4link.net>
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2000 08:34:21 -0700
Thanks, Tom.  I manage to bleed them without assistance.  There will usually
be a few bubbles in the aquarium tubing if there's still air in the line.
When the bubbles are gone, a few more pumps for good measure and then on to
the next wheel.

Regards,

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

>Excellent description of the brake bleeding process, Grant!  That's one to
>print out and keep for the 'home shop manual'.  Is the process you describe
>a "one-person" process....or do you still need someone to pump the brakes
>while you check the lines?
>Thanks,
>Tom Caperton
>47-2nd 3100....in Whiteville, NC
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: G. Simmons <gls@4link.net>
>To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
>Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2000 2:05 AM
>Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Brake Bleeding
>
>
>> >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
>>
>>
>> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>>
>
>

oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959

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