Rear Brake Bleeding Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 478
Likes: 56
From: Woodstock Georgia
Rear Brake Bleeding Question
This might qualify as a stupid question ....but ......
I just finished a total rear restoration. As I am bleeding the rear brakes with the 4 pistons, one side has one bleeder screw on the inside and two on the outside. The other caliper has one on the inside and one at the outside front. There is a plug at the outside rear instead of the bleeder screw. Should there be a bleeder screw there?
I bled the 5 but there's still some air in the system.
Thanks in advance.
I just finished a total rear restoration. As I am bleeding the rear brakes with the 4 pistons, one side has one bleeder screw on the inside and two on the outside. The other caliper has one on the inside and one at the outside front. There is a plug at the outside rear instead of the bleeder screw. Should there be a bleeder screw there?
I bled the 5 but there's still some air in the system.
Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
You only need to bleed the bleeder screws on the top, inside and outside. Just leave the ones on the bottom alone. If you still have air in the system, just keep bleeding. Patience will be rewarded.
Air goes to the top so that is where the bleeders are. 
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 402
Likes: 141
From: Charlotte NC
pressure bleeding is absolutely the best way to go. but not everyone has a pressure bleeding system.
vacuum is also decent.
i've gravity bled my brakes before with good results.
i just opened up the bleeders and let them flow. making sure the fluid level never dropped too low and also rapping the caliper with a small hammer to dislodge any air bubbles. bubbles will stick to everything just like soda in a glass.
this takes more time to do but it does work. also rebleed them the next day. a bubble or two always comes out.
vacuum is also decent.
i've gravity bled my brakes before with good results.
i just opened up the bleeders and let them flow. making sure the fluid level never dropped too low and also rapping the caliper with a small hammer to dislodge any air bubbles. bubbles will stick to everything just like soda in a glass.
this takes more time to do but it does work. also rebleed them the next day. a bubble or two always comes out.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Azle TX
I agree that a pressure bleeder is the best way to go. I never had good luck bleeding the brakes until I started using one. It's quick and makes it a one person job.
When I bleed mine I start with the bottom bleeders then move to the top. I use a rubber mallet to tap the calipers to help get all the air out. I also use a screwdriver and pry the pads back towards the calipers a couple of times to help dislodge any air bubbles in the pistons. Since doing this I have never had any more problems with air in the calipers. Since I race my car I flush the brake system about every month and although the fluid is sometimes dark I have not found any air in it.
When I bleed mine I start with the bottom bleeders then move to the top. I use a rubber mallet to tap the calipers to help get all the air out. I also use a screwdriver and pry the pads back towards the calipers a couple of times to help dislodge any air bubbles in the pistons. Since doing this I have never had any more problems with air in the calipers. Since I race my car I flush the brake system about every month and although the fluid is sometimes dark I have not found any air in it.
