Brake job problems
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Tucumcari N.M.
Brake job problems
Just replaced all the calipers and flex lines on a 76 vette. Now I've tried to bleed the calipers with a vacum pump but can't get any fluid to come thru the calipers. I've done vette brake jobs before but this is a first for me. I've pumped till my hand got tired on all 4 corners, still no fluid. The pedal won't pump up either for the old style bleeding. Can't hardly believe the master cylinder is bad because the brakes were working fair before. The calipers were leaking that's what lead to the brake job.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
That's pretty odd. You may have to crack all the bleeders and let it "gravity bleed" for several hours (or even overnight). Stupid question I know, but you do have the bleeders at the top - right? Do you have all the bleeders closed other than the one you're actually bleeding? If you allowed the master cylinder to go completely dry, you will probably have to bleed it too. Just some thoughts.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Tucumcari N.M.
The bleeders are on the top. All bleeders closed except the one being bleed. I will try cracking the bleeders over night. The master cylinder didnot go dry. I did try bleeding it also. Thanks i need all the thoughts I can handle.
Last edited by v777992; Jul 17, 2008 at 07:57 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
had a somewhat similar problem last year, one of the front calipers on our 79 started leaking, pulled it off installed new seals, reinstalled on the car, the the brake pedal would not pump up, very little fluid going to the caliper. pulled the top on the master cylinder and had my son pump the brakes, i could see bubbles and fluid moving from rear to front mc compartments. the seal had gone bad on the mc piston,, rebuilt the master cyl. everything pumped up fine after that. just a thought, why it decided to quit right then, who knows. good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 179
Likes: 2
From: Detroit Area
I had the same problem on my 71. The brakes were leaking, but working, before I put on SS calipers, but I could not get any fluid to come out of the bleeders. Took the Master Cylinder off and tried to bench bleed it, and found fluid was leaking around the internal seals, and dripping down the shaft. Replaced the MC, and had no problem bleeding the calipers.
