Brake Bleeding

I have been reading through the process of bleeding brakes on the different posts and have a couple of questions.

Do you do one caliper at a time or both at the same time?

I am going to use the method of pumping the brakes and holding the handle down then opening and closing the bleeder valve.

I assume you put the clear hose into fluid so you can see the air come out. True?

My lines are empty. I have rebuild my calipers. They look good. Thanks for your help.

 

One at a time. But you'll want to fill the whole system first.

The old school method doesn't work well on an empty system; you'll need to either invest around $20 for a vacuum pump; or pull the lever all the way back and secure it there, and add fluid to your M/C and wait. After quite a while, as the level will eventually drop, add more fluid. If you're going to do it entirely by pumping, it will work better if you "crack" each union in succession until fluid begins to escape; then close it and move on. Messy, but equally effective.

You put the hose into fluid to see the bubbles AND to prevent any air from traveling back up the bleed line.

 

Where are you finding these pumps for $20. Every place I look they are $35

 

Harbor Freight $19.99

For people with an air compressor who want to go first class:

Air powered bleeder.

 

I will let you all know how I went. Thanks for all the information!

 

The vacuum pump is a good investment. They make bleeding the brakes much easier AND the vacuum gauge can be used to perform the old school method of syncing your carbs. Just done it with mine, works great.

 

Yesiree to the vacuum pump!

I just finished my dual disc conversion on my XJ and I used the Harbor Freight vacuum pump. Piece of CAKE! I'll never do it the old way again. That 20 bucks saved me hours.

 

Please explain 8O

 

Done by measuring the vacuum on each cylinder individually and adjusting them so the gauge reads the same for each.

 

OK ... I have the calipers off and the handle tied off. Thought I would see the fluid flow . Nothing! Any ideas.

 

I went up to AutoZone and they said to have the system closed. I did this by putting the calipers on. I am still not getting the "shower" from the master cyclinder. I got it before it was replaced. Once again - any ideas?

 

Rent the vacuum brake bleeder from Autozone for free. They just need a deposit which you get back when you return it. I used it once and it's just about identical to the kind you can buy from Harbor Freight.

 

I was in a hurry. Used a medicine syringe that we had from when the kids were babies. Costs a couple of bucks at the local drug store. Hook it to the bleeder with a short length of tubing. I actually got the idea from someone on the forums here, but I can't remember who right now. Worked just fine to get the system filled.