Bleeding brakes
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 986
Likes: 183
From: South Carolina
Bleeding brakes
I am just about ready to send my car to mechanic to replace my new differential,trailing arm,and shocks and pretty much everything else in the rear,will have to send on roll back,but did crank it up first time in 10 months,but have done a lot of work to brakes,new rotors,O ring in calipers,using original calipers,also replaced brake booster and master cylinder,but of course pedal going to floor,my ? is does car need to be running because of vacum to build up to bleed brakes,I will be doing old fashion way,someone pumping them,holding while I bleed. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 2,304
From: Central UT
Hi Golferdad, the engine does not need to be running. I helped my friend bleed his '71 brakes (PB) about 2 weeks ago - no problem. You're getting closer!! Best, Paul
PS: I get the 'old fashioned' way, and used to do it that way myself. It sure is easier (and a one person job) with a power bleeder - especially if you've replace a lot of stuff.
PS: I get the 'old fashioned' way, and used to do it that way myself. It sure is easier (and a one person job) with a power bleeder - especially if you've replace a lot of stuff.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 648
Likes: 353
From: Portland, Oregon
My vote is for Motive power bleeder. But, I use a large C-clamp instead of the chains it comes with. Just rechecked bleed order; ‘79 factory manual says LR inner, LR outer, RR inner, RR outer, LF, RF. Seems counter-intuitive to do left side before right side. (Engine off)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 1,956
From: Temple Terrace Florida
I use a reverse bleeder. Fluid is pumped from the wheel caliper to the master. No need for clamps or an extra person. You can even bleed the master while it's on the car. Really easy. Jerry
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,177
Likes: 7,780
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I agree, one thing I learnt from working on motorcycles, often front brakes on them can be difficult to bleed.Air likes to go up in a brake line. Not down. Far easier to push the air out the top.
A phoenix brake bleeder is your friend here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,711
Likes: 1,371
I concur, buy one or make your own. After fabricating and using the pressure bleeder to do my 68 brakes I now use it whenever I do brakes anyway. It just works so well and it is so easy.
My vote is for Motive power bleeder. But, I use a large C-clamp instead of the chains it comes with. Just rechecked bleed order; ‘79 factory manual says LR inner, LR outer, RR inner, RR outer, LF, RF. Seems counter-intuitive to do left side before right side. (Engine off)
