Bleeding Brakes Tips

[sldwys]

Im about to replace the front calipers on my 85 Olds 442. Also, will be replacing the front brake lines.

I’m trying to save any headaches. What’s best method to bleed brakes afterwards? It will only be me. Should I buy speed bleeders? I’ve never used them before btw. Or should I get the wife out to try and pump brakes.?

 

[565bbchevy]

I still do it by pumping the brakes a few times and holding the pedal down to the floor for last time like you would with 2 people but I use a ratcheting "Club" to lock the pedal down on the last pump by wedging it between the seat and the brake pedal and then turn the key to release after bleeding one corner and move on to the next.
I have been doing it this way for many years and it has always worked the best over other 1 person methods I have tried.

 

[64nailhead]

Gravity, one line at a time starting with the line furthest from the master cylinder. Assuming you are changing the lines from the proportioning valve to wheel ends and the current system is bled and functioning, take the lines for the front brakes off the proportioning valve and plug both ports. The goal is to keep the master cylinder line, and proportioning valve from getting an air in them. Replace the passenger side lines and caliper. Now gravity bleed the right front with the master cylinder cover removed - don't let the master cylinder run out of fluid. Then do the same for the driver side.

The gravity bleeding will take a bit for each side. Repeat until you get some pedal. Then let it set overnight. Occasionally this will not work satisfactorily, but that is rare. Not allowing any air into the system is what allows the gravity system to work well. If your system is leaking already and the brakes are not functioning, then gravity bleeding will not work. The final bit of air will require a couple of people or a system like 565bbchevy has described.

I've never had any success with power bleeders, vacuum bleeders, etc. The gravity system will use a bundle of fluid - have 2 quarts on hand.

 

[Streetbu]

Always works quicker and better with a second person, if you only have yourself, use a soda bottle half filled with brake fluid, stick a small tube into it, other end on the bleeder. Crack it open, pump the brakes. That will get you very close, if not bled.

 

[Jakefromstatefarm]

^^^^
That is how I've always done it, I just route the house up from the bleeder a couple feet so that I can see fluid in the line from the driver seat and then pump away. Air will rise up the clear line, fluid will stay down on the bleeder, pump until you see no more air coming out. (don't let the master go dry, VERY easy to do with this method)

 

[sldwys]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I’ll just include my wife or a buddy. I’ve always bled brakes this way using two people. But will have to schedule the help now.

Brakes work great right now by the way. as far as pressure, pedal response. So hopefully on the flip side, they do as well. Lol

 

[awdblazer]

speed bleeders for the win

 

[GP403]

Always works quicker and better with a second person, if you only have yourself, use a soda bottle half filled with brake fluid, stick a small tube into it, other end on the bleeder. Crack it open, pump the brakes. That will get you very close, if not bled.

This. Was going to say mason jar but yeah soda bottle works, too.

 

[ostrich]

Motive Products 100 power bleeder, been using it for years now. Always worked well for me, one man job. Still married!

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[Tomeal]

What about the short bleeder on the wheel cylinders that you can't get a wrench and a hose at the same time?

Speed bleeders?