how long for gravity bleed
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
get a clear tube, or any tube, a small jar, partially fill the jar with brake fluid, submerge the end into the jar, and watch for bubbles...when bubbles stop, then that line is clear, or you can bleed a few more minutes more if you want to make sure all air is purged....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
I just use a piece of clear tubing from Ace Hardware and hold it above the bleeder screw and look at the outflow for air pockets. Bleed starting at right rear outer/inner left rear outer/inner, right front/left front. Make sure the master cylinder cap is off and you may have to slightly press the pedal to unseat MC piston to start flow. I also use a rubber mallet to beat on the calipers to vibrate any air pockets out if I am starting with any dry parts in the system especially if the calipers are new, it dosen't take much to get flow started. You should then drive the Vette, put some heat into brake system and bleed it while warm before you can call the job complete.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
Took me a whole six pack, but it was hot that day...............
Seriously, just open the bleeder screws, one caliper at a time, don't let the master cylinder run too low, and be patient. When the bubbles stop in the glass jar, move to the next one.
Seriously, just open the bleeder screws, one caliper at a time, don't let the master cylinder run too low, and be patient. When the bubbles stop in the glass jar, move to the next one.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Will a gravity-only bleeding really get rid of all the trapped air in the system? I've always use the tubing/bottle method pumping the brake pedal. If you use that method, start with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder working up to the closest one...RR, then LR; then fronts...RF and LF.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Waynesburg PA
I just got in from bleeding mine, 1.5 hour start to finish. It was not new though only bleed each one about 2 minutes. I had a brake light on and proportioning valve wouldn't re-set. Had a couple big bubbles come out of the passenger front. All the rest only a few very tiny bubbles. Light went out. Did a tire rotation also while I had it up and tires off. This was my 1st time ever bleeding brakes. I will go for a little test drive tonight and bask in the glow of success (and hope nothing else breaks LOL).
Last edited by Fay vette; Mar 31, 2009 at 08:40 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Allentown PA
Will a gravity-only bleeding really get rid of all the trapped air in the system? I've always use the tubing/bottle method pumping the brake pedal. If you use that method, start with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder working up to the closest one...RR, then LR; then fronts...RF and LF.
