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Pressure testing brake system

Old Apr 17, 2014 | 02:03 PM
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Default Pressure testing brake system

I just installed new brake lines / calipers and would like to pressure test the system before putting the body on as I would like to take care of any issues while everything is easy to access. Of course without the body I don't have the master cylinder installed so I need another method of pressurizing the system.

Thanks!
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Old Apr 17, 2014 | 04:24 PM
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FWIW: at the factory, the master cylinder was installed before body drop (same as your situation) and the system was pressure fed and bled in one operation. See below:



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Old Apr 17, 2014 | 06:51 PM
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You will have a REALLY hard time making a fixture that will allow you to actually actuate the master cylinder.

Pressure bleeding the brake system is one thing...and the pressure values are really low (20 psi+/-)...which may not show a leak...but when the pressure increase when the master cylinder is actuated...it can go easily up to 800+psi.

I do this often...the one connection I an super aware of is the rear line that attaches to the left side junction block. I have made a special crowfoot flare wrench that fits on my extension and ratchet that allows me to get into this area and tighten the fitting if needed.

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Old Apr 18, 2014 | 01:10 AM
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Easy Mike,

I like your suggestion but as DUB pointed out how will I get enough pressure into the system?
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Old Apr 18, 2014 | 01:11 AM
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I wanted to do the same thing. Ended up using air pressure. I know it is not as high as the brakes would see but it worked pretty well. I installed a tee on the line with a gauge in one port and a schrader valve on the other. Then put the pressure as high as I could get, let it stand over night and made sure the pressure was close to what is was when I had aired it. Obviously allowing for a slight drop due to the air cooling.
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Old Apr 18, 2014 | 01:21 AM
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Originally Posted by vetteguy22
I wanted to do the same thing. Ended up using air pressure. I know it is not as high as the brakes would see but it worked pretty well. I installed a tee on the line with a gauge in one port and a schrader valve on the other. Then put the pressure as high as I could get, let it stand over night and made sure the pressure was close to what is was when I had aired it. Obviously allowing for a slight drop due to the air cooling.
Good idea thanks!
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