Problems bleeding brakes
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Southeast
Problems bleeding brakes
I've been helping my brother bleed his brake system on his '78. The two rear calipers were leaking, so we got two new replacements and put them on. This is the first time I've ever bled brakes on a corvette. I got a milkjug, and cut the top half off. I put some clean fluid in the jug and a hose runs from the bleeder screws to the fluid. I then do the left inner, left outer, right inner, right outer. He presses the pedal, I open the screw for a couple seconds til the bubbles stop, then close the screw. We repeat this process until no bubbles appear. About a week ago, I did it three times. The pedal was hard for a few miles, but then got soft. Today I've done it twice. I've been through about a quart and a half. I still have a soft pedal. Do I just keep doing this? Could there be THAT much air in the lines?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 13
From: Kingman AZ
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 12
From: wichita kansas
i've bled brakes on many different corvettes after doing a brake job. most of the time i can manually get them pumped up using old fashioned method (my wife pumping up pedal, then holding it while i crack the fittings open) but on several occasions i have had to get a power bleeder to get the job done because i just couldn't get a pedal. remember to start with the caliper the farthest away from master and work forward (RR, LR, RF, then LF) good luck
Last edited by razman; Dec 24, 2008 at 02:57 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
Agrees with Razman. I have always done it the old style too. I am fixing to have to go through my brakes. All though, Hopeing maybe a motive brake bleeder is in my future. All the guys in here talk highly of them and I need to get all the old fluid out of our car and replace with new fluid. 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
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From: Bay Area CA
If you do get the motiver bleeder, be sure to NOT use the chains to hold the adapter on. Instead, use a flat of wood and a large C-clamp accross the top of the adapter plate and the bottom of the M/C. Chains work like cra-dap.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: ingleside illinois
Le Mans Master
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From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.