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Bleeding brakes??

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by papparazzi, Aug 17, 2006.

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  1. papparazzi

    papparazzi Rookie

    Nov 12, 2004
    43
    Carlisle, MA 01741
    Full Name:
    Christian Delbert
    #1 papparazzi, Aug 17, 2006
    I recently had brake problems on my 1983 QV 308. Pulling to the right. So I took off the front side of the caliper, pulled the puck out and cleaned everything. Some minor rust, but not on the puck. Anyhow, all appeared clean and the rubber gaskets felt OK. I put everything back together.

    Now, I can't get all the air out of the system! I have replaced all my bleeding nipples with ones with a ball bearing that closes off the flow of fluid automatically as soon as the brake peddle is released. I have used this for 2 years and it works great. You can do a one man bleeding operation with a nice hard pedal feel. Now, I turn the nipple to open 1 turn and I just get a mixture bubbles and a little fluid. I also tried putting back my old nipple and using my vacuum pump ( Griot's Garage item) to suck the fluid while no air gets in. That didn't work. Do I have to bleed all 4 brakes?

    Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. spiderseeker

    spiderseeker Formula 3

    Jul 22, 2005
    1,718
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #2 spiderseeker, Aug 17, 2006
    Yes, I would do all 4 , it so fast and easy- but remember if the car pulls right it means the problem is the Left side is probably not working(the right side is).
     
  3. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,856
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    #3 FasterIsBetter, Aug 17, 2006
    Agree with Steve. If the car is pulling right, it usually means that one or both of the left side calipers are not grabbing (it pulls to the side that is stopping, the other side keeps going). I'd suggest checking all four wheels to make sure the brake pads and calipers are in good condition and that the pistons are not frozen or hanging up. Then bleed all four wheels, starting with the right rear, then left rear, then right front, then left front. You should get clear fluid at each wheel before you move on to the next.

    If you check the calipers and they all appear to be free and in good condition, consider changing the brake hoses. IMHO, change them for stainless braided brake lines (Goodridge makes a nice set). Old brake hoses can delaminate inside and cause blockage or a "one-way" valve inside the hose and cause all sorts of symptoms. SS braided lines will also give you a firmer brake pedal, which is nice.

    And if you continue to be getting air in the line, you've got a leak somewhere in the system. Try pressurizing the system and see where it is coming out.
     
  4. jwise

    jwise Formula Junior

    Apr 2, 2003
    781
    Portland Maine
    #4 jwise, Aug 18, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Agreed. The best way to bleed/test is with pressure. I use the Motive Pressure bleeder and works great.

    This post describes the product:

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24810

    Hope this helps- jwise
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  5. spiderseeker

    spiderseeker Formula 3

    Jul 22, 2005
    1,718
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #5 spiderseeker, Aug 18, 2006
    I agree with "Jwise" the "Motive Pressure bleeder" is great and very fast, it's the absolute best way to bleed the brakes.(cheap too)
    I wonder just how many have been sold due to posts here on Fchat ?
     
  6. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
    9,294
    CHNDLR
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #6 synchro, Aug 21, 2006

    One turn seems a bit much and I'm wondering if you're sucking bubbles from the bleeder screw threads. Years ago I recall reading that some folks put grease at the base of the nipple threads to make a better airtight seal.
     
  7. NYCFERRARIS

    NYCFERRARIS Formula 3

    Mar 2, 2004
    1,011
    #7 NYCFERRARIS, Aug 21, 2006
    pulling might also be worn wheel bearings or worn ball joint.
     
  8. papparazzi

    papparazzi Rookie

    Nov 12, 2004
    43
    Carlisle, MA 01741
    Full Name:
    Christian Delbert
    #8 papparazzi, Aug 23, 2006
    Bleeding all 4 wheels solved the problem. Also, replacing the bleeder screws with " speed bleeder screws " ( www.speedbleeder.com ) really simplyfies bleeding brakes. And no, I have nothing to do with that company!!! If you finally need a pressure bleeder, I bought ( and forgot I had it! ) Gunson"s Eezi bleed, bleeder kit. Probably less that $ 25. You simply put brake fluid in bottle ( 2 soda can sized ), attach hose with proper adapter ( it comes with 3 or 4 ) to your car's brake fluid container, then take the other hose attached to the bottle and attach it to one of the air valves on one of your tires. Press the valve and the air pressure pressurizes the new fluid that pushes the old fluid. Just another cheap solution... Thanks to all, this site is really great for us who only once in a while have to work on our cars.
     

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