Bleeding power brakes

[Rex T.]

Just rebuilt the master cylinder on my 63 and having problems getting any resistance on the brake pedal. I have bled the entire system, one wheel at a time, and still no luck. Pedal goes all the way to the floor. Does the engine have to be running to create some vacuum for the power brake booster in order to bleed the system? Any suggestions? As always, thanks in advance for your help. Rex #8089

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Bleeding power brakes

You do not mention having bench bled the MC prior to installation. If you have not done so, you may have to bleed the brakes a thousand times to get all the air out!

[Rex T.]

Re: Bleeding power brakes

Yes, master cyl was bench bled prior to installation. Sorry I forgot to mention that.
Thanks, Rex

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Bleeding power brakes

To answer your original question, my 67 has PB and I never have the engine running to bleed. You might try gravity bleeding.

[Paul Burrelli]

Re: Bleeding power brakes

Your engine does not have to be running Rex. I was totally frustrated trying to bleed the brakes on my 65 after a complete rebuild also. Finally broke down and bought a power bleeder from Motive Products for around $50. You can find them online. Best investment I ever made!......Good luck, Paul




Motive Products

[Nick Culkowski]

Re: Bleeding power brakes

I have struggled countless times with bleeding brakes on my mid year vettes. The pump and bleed method was frustrating to say the least. Vaccuum systems never worked well, always sucking air from the bleeder or jar hose connection complicating the issue. The gravity method was more tedious than successful. On the advice of John H. and others, I finally broke down and invested less than 90 dollars buying the motive pressure bleeder. It took me more time to jack up the car and remove the wheels than to get a high, firm pedal. I am a beliver in low pressure bleed systems. Just MYHO, The Motive Pressure system is the best I have used for bleeding Corvette brakes.