C2: Non-power disc brake bleeding

[Mark F.]

As I recall from previous posts, the gravity method of bleeding brakes on my '65 w/disc is preferred. I set everything up; got the hoses attached to the six bleeder valves, cracked them open just a bit, and poured a generous amount of fluid into my non-power m/c.

After an hour, nothing changed. The fluid level in the m/c remained the same.

My questions are:

a) Should I bench bleed the m/c?

b) Should I open the valves fully?

c) Should I open the system slightly with a stick on the brake pedal?

Joe Lucia, I know you've been through this. Can you advise?

Thanks for your help.

Mark

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2: Non-power disc brake bleeding

You have to get the lines bleed out first or the air lock will not allow it to gravity bleed. Bleed the MC first then have someone help you get it going to the calipers by the pedal pumping method if you dont have a pressure or vac. bleeder. Once you get it started, it will gravity bleed.

[Larry S.]

Re: C2: Non-power disc brake bleeding

I am assuming you replaced the master cylender?

Any ways It only takes and in exspencive fitting and hose to bench bleed the master,The effort pays off in the long run,I allways bench bleed the master then install the master cap and it kinda holds the fluid in untill you can connect the hose's,If using silacone fluid it airates very easey.So start a gravity bleed,I then whack the calipers whith a rubber mallet then keep feeding the master fluid.If you have to do any pumping do a little then leave it for an hour or two to let the bubbles oout of the fluid and try again,I am almost tempted to replace my silacone with regular fluid because of the exspence and also the roubles I allways have with silacone brake fluid ,Some one please remind me whay we are using it?

[Mark F.]

Thanks, Wayne & Larry. *NM*

[Frank Hare]

Re: C2: Non-power disc brake bleeding

What I have found that works very good on power and non power and abs brakes is to use an old pump oil can that I had that has a long taperer tip and I fill it full of brake fluid put it in a bleeder open it and pump it till it gets to hard to pump ,close the bleeder and move on to the next after all are full open each bleeder one half to a whole turn and they are happy to gravity bleed now.Last three I did by myself were the fastest I've ever done and I have a power bleeder that some times leaks all over the master cylinder and other painted stuff, so when reverse bleeding check your master cylinder so you don't over fill when pumping fluid in the bleeders.

POLL:
brake fluid
I used silicone fluid on a few cars but when examining the leaky brake parts they always have debris in the caliper pistons after 4 or 5 years and need cleaned out anyway,not just flushing with new fliud.
my 2 cents worth

[Mark F.]

Thanks, Frank. *NM*