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Re: Problems w/bleeding brakes

To: spitfires@autox.team.net, rrdeaver@emagichappens.com
Subject: Re: Problems w/bleeding brakes
From: "Nolan Penney" <npenney@mde.state.md.us>
Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 06:36:54 -0500
Yes, you'll suck air around the bleed nipple, creating the illusion of air in 
the
brake system.  It's an inherent drawback to vacuum bleeding brakes.  I 
understand
that the ez-bleed nipples do not exhibit this, but I've never used them, so I 
cannot
say for sure.  Some have had success with using grease around the threads of
the nipple.

You're also fighting empty lines.  As thin as brake fluid is, air is even 
thinner.
Trying to bleed down using classic techniques is a loosing battle.  I'd 
recommend
a pressure bleeder for this job myself.  That works, and works well.  That's why
the factories use this, as do good shops.  Pretty cheap to buy, about 25-30 
dollars.

If you're going to try it with classic techniques (push the pedal, bleed, 
repeat), start
at the top and work your way down.  Start bleeding at the side of the master 
cylinder
by cracking the line, having the assistant push the pedal down, expelling air, 
close the
fitting, and release the pedal.  Repeat until you stop bleeding out air.  DO 
NOT PUMP!
Repeat all the way down the lines.

If you ever really want to be slick at getting air out of your brake lines, 
replumb them,
but do it so that the lines run smoothly and steadily up to the master 
cylinder.  Then 
you can bleed them by cracking the line at the master cylinder.  Air rises, so 
the air 
bubbles will go up to this point.  Even slicker, have a designed high spot in 
the line
with a bleed port built into it.  This keeps the air from getting into your 
master
cylinder.

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