Just installed new calipers, hoses, and rear lines. When I went to bleed the brakes, I had no fluid from the rears. I even removed the bleeding screw, but still nothing. The fronts are fine, but not making it to the rears. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

were you pushing the brake pedal and still got nothing? it can take a while to get all the air out....Gravity also works wonder on these. i like the Motive pressure bleeder alot......i wonder if your proportioning valve could be stuck? i wonder how you recenter those?

 

Could you start at the master cylinder and undo lines and see where the fluid is making it to? I now see that you have replaced the rear lines so maybe that won't work.

I don't remember exactly how to reset the proportional valve but I believe all I had to do was stomp the break pedal hard a few times. The repair manual gave the procedure.

 

It sounds like your proportioning valve is stuck or one of the rear rubber lines collapsed. This would be a good point in time to remove & clean or replace the components you have not yet replaced (i.e. valve & rubber lines). Might as well do it once and right the first time.

 

when i did mine i had the same problem. get a mityvac style vacuum pump and pull it back there. after that all was fine

 

How do you hook up the Mityvac for brake bleeding..have one, but no instructions.

 

The mighty-Vac--install little hose on the bleeder fitting, open bleeder, and squeeze the trigger/handle until it draws fluid into the cup.

Pressure bleeders are more efficient, faster, and easier to use...the vac systems sometimes dont seal over the fitting properly...leading to a weak draw of fluid. Vac systems sometimes leaves air in the system; reason being, the draw doesnt always remove all air.

If you do get the Vac system to draw fluid...once you are done and have had fluid reach finaly reach the bleeder and you think you are done...lightly tap the calipers with a hammer with intentions of gettign air bubble to the top of the caliper where the bleeder fitting is.

Also; you may want to check:
1 none of the brake lines have collapsed internally
2 none of the steel brake lines leading to the rear has been smashed somehow...restricting fluid flow to the rear.

Before I got my 79; "Bubba's Tires-N-Bra's" r/r'd the rear calipers and used the mighty-vac system to bleed the brakes for the previous owner...I got the car with a low spongy brake pedal.

I used the Motive pressure bleeder...I tapped the calipers...bled brakes starting with the inside bleeder, working to the two outside bleeders on the rear...and I was able to remove ALL the air from the system. The stock brakes stop on a dime and give a buck-fifty change.


Good luck, and do it for right for safety's sake.



Jim

Although the tutorial listed below is listed for a motor-cycle bleeding tool; it *can* work on auto's...I just dont like them for multi-piston, multi-caliper per disc auto's...but thats just me.

Tutorial On How To Use Mighty Vac Bleeder

 

Thanks for all the help. I'll check the valve first and try the vac. It's been awhile since I've worked on cars, sure is satisfying to figure it out.
Great to have this forum....always get great advice.

 

I replaced my rear calipers a few months ago and had a similar problem. It was the proporting valve. You can reset it by opening up a front bleeder a little (make sure the rears are closed) and then apply a good amount of brake pressure.