Brake Bleeding - messed up

[Joe L.]

Re: Gravity method

Gary----

I open all SIX bleeder valves at the same time. I close the valves one at a time when I can see NO air bubbles at all in the clear vinyl bleeder tubes. You have to check the fluid level in the master cylinder regularly so you don't run it dry. However, usually the gravity flow is slow enough that you will have absolutely no trouble keeping up with it.

[Joe L.]

Re: Gravity method

Gary----

I open all SIX bleeder valves at the same time. I close the valves one at a time when I can see NO air bubbles at all in the clear vinyl bleeder tubes. You have to check the fluid level in the master cylinder regularly so you don't run it dry. However, usually the gravity flow is slow enough that you will have absolutely no trouble keeping up with it.

[John H.]

Re: Brake Bleeding - messed up

Due to not having a helper most of the time, I've used a MityVac vacuum bleeder for years and have found it to be an excellent process that results in a nice solid pedal - you just have to check the master cylinder after bleeding each corner to make sure it doesn't run dry when you do the next one, and with the MityVac you start with the closest wheel cylinder (drum-brake '57) instead of starting with the furthest-away.

John '57 270

[John H.]

Re: Brake Bleeding - messed up

Due to not having a helper most of the time, I've used a MityVac vacuum bleeder for years and have found it to be an excellent process that results in a nice solid pedal - you just have to check the master cylinder after bleeding each corner to make sure it doesn't run dry when you do the next one, and with the MityVac you start with the closest wheel cylinder (drum-brake '57) instead of starting with the furthest-away.

John '57 270

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Gravity method

SIX bleeder valves? You have me on that Joe. One on each caliper, one on the master cylinder (non power). Is there a second one somewhere that I am not aware of?

BTW, thanks for the information. I sort of assumed that was the process but it is always nice to be certain. Last question, how long does this usually take? Gary

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Gravity method

SIX bleeder valves? You have me on that Joe. One on each caliper, one on the master cylinder (non power). Is there a second one somewhere that I am not aware of?

BTW, thanks for the information. I sort of assumed that was the process but it is always nice to be certain. Last question, how long does this usually take? Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: Gravity method

Gary----

I wasn't even counting the one(s) on the master cylinder. Usually, I bench bleed that or bleed it first, before gravity bleeding the calipers; you can't gravity bleed the master cylinder.

Anyway, there are SIX bleeder valves on the calipers. The rear calipers have TWO each, one inboard and one outboard. The fronts have only ONE each, since there is a crossover passage drilled between the front caliper halves. You'd be surprised at how many folks don't know about those inboard rear bleeders. They're there to be seen, but, usually, folks see the outboard ones and that's as far as they look. Then they wonder why they can't get their brakes bled properly.

[Joe L.]

Re: Gravity method

Gary----

I wasn't even counting the one(s) on the master cylinder. Usually, I bench bleed that or bleed it first, before gravity bleeding the calipers; you can't gravity bleed the master cylinder.

Anyway, there are SIX bleeder valves on the calipers. The rear calipers have TWO each, one inboard and one outboard. The fronts have only ONE each, since there is a crossover passage drilled between the front caliper halves. You'd be surprised at how many folks don't know about those inboard rear bleeders. They're there to be seen, but, usually, folks see the outboard ones and that's as far as they look. Then they wonder why they can't get their brakes bled properly.

[Craig Jewett]

Re: Gravity method.

Gary ----

The other 2 bleeders that Joe is referring to are the ones on the inside of each of the rear calipers... Yes the first time I bled the brakes on my '72 LT-1 many moons ago I missed them too...boy when the pedal went halfway to the floor afterwards, I had bells go off in my head...bled those other two and everything was then A OK.

Good Luck....

Craig Jewett # 28049 '67 L-79 A/C coupe

[Craig Jewett]

Re: Gravity method.

Gary ----

The other 2 bleeders that Joe is referring to are the ones on the inside of each of the rear calipers... Yes the first time I bled the brakes on my '72 LT-1 many moons ago I missed them too...boy when the pedal went halfway to the floor afterwards, I had bells go off in my head...bled those other two and everything was then A OK.

Good Luck....

Craig Jewett # 28049 '67 L-79 A/C coupe

[Gary Schisler]

Thanks to all of you.

Thank you!

[Gary Schisler]

Thanks to all of you.

Thank you!