Gravity bleed brakes
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 0
From: Manassas, VA, USA
Re: Gravity bleed brakes (Roadster71)
To gravity bleed, you make sure the master cylinder is full of clean brake fluid, crack the bleeder screw open, and wait until clean fluid comes out of the bleeder.
In my experience, gravity bleeding is great for:
(a) filling a new system or one you've replaced lines in,
(b) bleeding a system that just doesn't want to cooperate with the other methods. Since C3 brakes are notoriously uncooperative, gravity bleeding is a common procedure.
After gravity bleeding, I always do a manual bleed (pump once, crack bleeder, close, repeat as necessary) just to make sure. I've been told it's not necessary, but I don't care - I do it anyway. I want to feel that pedal solidify while I'm sitting still.
In my experience, gravity bleeding is great for:
(a) filling a new system or one you've replaced lines in,
(b) bleeding a system that just doesn't want to cooperate with the other methods. Since C3 brakes are notoriously uncooperative, gravity bleeding is a common procedure.
After gravity bleeding, I always do a manual bleed (pump once, crack bleeder, close, repeat as necessary) just to make sure. I've been told it's not necessary, but I don't care - I do it anyway. I want to feel that pedal solidify while I'm sitting still.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 6,744
Likes: 1
From: delmont pa
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Gravity bleed brakes (Roadster71)
go to http://www.motiveproducts.com for a pressure bleeder that will save to time and trouble. :chevy
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Altus OK
Re: Gravity bleed brakes (Roadster71)
When you gravity bleed, car is supposed to be even (just like it sits on the tires. I put mine up on stands (even), and gravity bleed and then pump bleed the brakes. Works every time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: Gravity bleed brakes (Roadster71)
As I understand it you actually create a leak in the system, then plug it up. I don't want to rain on your parade, but leaks cause air to get into the system...that's why fluid exits the bleeder in drips...cause air is getting in back of it and separating the droplets.
Get a clear hose and a clear bottle, you can buy it already selected for you called a "one man bleeder kit". I also suggest you contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and purchase their "Brake Inspection and Repair Handbook" to learn about brakes like I did.
Get a clear hose and a clear bottle, you can buy it already selected for you called a "one man bleeder kit". I also suggest you contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and purchase their "Brake Inspection and Repair Handbook" to learn about brakes like I did.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Re: Gravity bleed brakes (Rockn-Roll)
Gravity bleeding works fine... I've been using the technique professionally since about 1964 on cars that can be bled that way.
No air will sneaK in behind the exiting brake fluid.
There are several methods for bleeding brakes and they all work fine as long as you do them right.
No air will sneaK in behind the exiting brake fluid.
There are several methods for bleeding brakes and they all work fine as long as you do them right.
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