Just installed new rear shoes and wheel Cylinders and am having trouble bleeding the brakes. I’ve done it several times before but for some reason it’s not going right. Bleeding from LR first, I’ll have my partner pump three times and hold, then I’ll open and close the bleeder, leaving it open for about 2 or 3 seconds. Problem is that hardly any fluid is coming out, so I can’t tell when the air bubbles stop. Gone through almost a whole bottle of fluid. The brakes feel extremely firm when the car is off, but when the car is on, the brakes will hit the floor and take a while to stop the car.

i have not run the master cylinder dry. What would cause the flow to be so slow? As far as I can tell, none of the lines are damaged or kinked

 

remove line and see if any comes out if plenty comes out most likely then bad bleeder valve. I have seen before where a old neglected system got new cylinders and during bleeding process rust broke loose and caused piston to lock down so guess is a chance you got blockage if it was a bad shape.

 

Do the right rear first, NOT left rear. always start at furtherst wheel from the master and work you way closer, right rear, then left rear, then right front then left front.

remove bleeder screw nd see if flow improves out of the system, if not, then remove hose from cylinder and check if hose flows freely of not. bleeder screws can get clogged, hoses can become collapsed internally.

 

No. Wrong process. Open the bleeder, one steady push to floor and HOLD, then close the bleeder. Release brake pedal. Repeat as needed.

Or get some speed bleeder valves. Much easier.


Russell speed bleeders. There are different sizes, and IIRC, yours takes different front and back.

 

Agreed. I'd just add on an old master cylinder, I'd probably not bottom out the pedal, as making the MC seals travel the full distance in the bore (farther than they usually do) might tear them up. Back before I used to use speed bleeders and then a power bleeder, I'd put a small block of wood under the brake pedal to keep it from going all the way to the floor. Overkill? I don't know, perhaps.

 

Excellent advice, TJM.

 

Or you can open the bleeder and hold your finger over the opening and have some one pump the peddle when you start to get a good amount of fluid then you can bleed it one pump at a time .

 

Not at all. Thats smart thinking. Pushing the pedal all the way to the floor when bleeding them is not a good idea. I found that out the last time i bled brakes in the Mustang and ruined the MC because of it. Brake fluid was dark brown from years of neglect, and finally replaced the fluid. Brakes were strong pulling out of the driveway, but the next stop was like stepping on a marshmallow. Tore the MC apart and the bore was pitted and corroded at the front and i am 100% certain pushing the pedal to the floor pushed the seals over that and ruined them. Why i did that i still dont know, but lesson learned.