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Bleeding brakes

Discussion in '308/328' started by andersc, Aug 17, 2022.

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  1. andersc

    andersc Rookie

    Jun 11, 2011
    8
    Littleton, CO
    Full Name:
    Anders
    #1 andersc, Aug 17, 2022
    I just installed my rebuilt calipers from PMB Performance and new brake lines on my 1979 308. I began the process of bleeding the brakes and the rears bled fine, no issues. However when I attempted to bleed the front brakes there is no fluid coming out of either the driver or passenger side front calipers. I checked and both sides of the reservoir seem to have fluid. Am I missing something, or does anyone have any idea what the issue may be?
     
  2. F308fan

    F308fan Karting

    May 7, 2017
    162
    Peoria, AZ
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    Tony Pacini
    #2 F308fan, Aug 17, 2022
  3. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
    15,810
    Cerritos, CA.
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    Mike
    #3 miketuason, Aug 18, 2022
    When I also had PMB rebuild my front calipers and installed four new stainless steel brake hose, I bled my system using the Motive power bleeder and it works great. How were you bleeding your brakes system?
     
  4. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,155
    Mansfield, TX
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    Ron
    #4 ferrariowner, Aug 18, 2022
    Loosen the brake line to the front caliper and see if fluid comes out. That should give you a direction to look.
     
  5. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,804
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
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    Steve Magnusson
    #5 Steve Magnusson, Aug 18, 2022
    If your master cylinder sat dry/empty during the project, you may need to bleed it, too. See something like these:

    https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bleeding+master+cylinder+on+car

    I don't like how messy some of those people are (so be very careful to not let brake fluid get on any paint, or anything, anywhere), but you might first confirm/deny if you loosen the two brakes lines on the master cylinder that fluid comes out of both.
     
  6. andersc

    andersc Rookie

    Jun 11, 2011
    8
    Littleton, CO
    Full Name:
    Anders
    #6 andersc, Aug 18, 2022
    I saw this in Birdman's write up on rebuilding the master cylinder. I am going to check to make sure the shuttle valve is positioned correctly.
     
  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,100
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    #7 Rifledriver, Aug 18, 2022
    In my experience that never causes a bleeding issue. It can cause the brake failure light to come on in error.
     
    maurice70, Island Guy and Steve Magnusson like this.
  8. andersc

    andersc Rookie

    Jun 11, 2011
    8
    Littleton, CO
    Full Name:
    Anders
    #8 andersc, Aug 18, 2022
    The calipers were off the car for awhile so there wasn't much fluid in the master cylinder. I'm guessing when I went to bleed the rear brakes the shuttle valve may have engaged since the fronts hadn't been bled yet. I will have to check the position of the shuttle valve and possibly bench bleed the master cylinder. That would explain why I don't have any fluid coming out of either side of the fronts. I'm going to start by seeing if any fluid comes out of the front side of the master cylinder.
     
  9. andersc

    andersc Rookie

    Jun 11, 2011
    8
    Littleton, CO
    Full Name:
    Anders
    #9 andersc, Aug 19, 2022
    Okay...so I got some brake line and bench bled the master cylinder in the car. Then I removed the speed bleeders and back bled the calipers. And finally was able to bleed the front calipers like normal. So some sort of combination of all of those fixed it. Thank you very much for your assistance...as usual you all are extremely helpful!
     
    GordonC and maurice70 like this.

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