Hi all,
Purchased a 69 that I've always wanted about a year ago.
I am replacing the front calipers. Question is will I need to bleed the master cylinder or just all 4 calipers?
Any help would be apricated, Thanks
Jon

 

I recently replaced the front calipers on my 72 and only bled the new ones. I made sure to keep plenty of fluid in the master cylinder during the process.

 

That's what I was thinking, since there is a separate reservoir in the MC for front and back maybe I wouldn't need to bleed the rears .
Thanks

 

Welcome to the Corvette Forum Jon Wickstrom!

This is the place to be when you have questions about your Corvette! We are glad you joined us here at the best Corvette Forum!

You will be very likely able to just bleed the front calipers that you just replaced. It has worked in the past for me.

Regarding the Brake Fluid in your Corvette be sure to flush the fluid every five years or so. There are several ways to do and make it easier and less of a hassle. I have a Motive Bleeder, a Vacuum Bleeder and a Phoenix Reverse Bleeder not to mention the other ones I have tried. I also have a 1988 C4 which has the very early Bosch ABS system and it is a challenge to flush. The Phoenix pushes fluid up from the caliper and pushes the air up and out. Gravity bleeding along with the other methods are trying to push air down and out which can be done but is more difficult to do. After learning how to use the reverse bleeder I can flush the entire system very quickly without making a mess.

Every year before I take my Corvette out of winter storage I stomp on the brakes to be absolutely sure they can handle the pressure. One day I did it to my C4 and the pedal went straight to the floor, a brake lines that was compromised broke open. When this happened it drained BOTH Reservoirs of all the brake fluid contrary to what should have happened. I was under the impression if the rear had a leak it would only affect the rear circuit, not true on the 1988 C4. One of the first things I did after buying my C3 was to fix the Emergency/Parking brake and I replaced the components with the SS parts out there. This way I have a good backup even though I have a 4 speed.

Good Luck with your Corvette and when you have a moment you might fill out the "Profile" section with basic details about your Corvette. This allows people to know what year and model you are asking about. It helps all of us as it reduces repetitive questions.

Best regards,
Chris a.k.a. ctmccloskey

 

You'll get by just fine bleeding only the front calipers. They're in a separate hydraulic circuit from the rear. I had to reseal one of my fronts over the summer. I left the hose disconnected too long and drained the master cylinder. Air all the way to the hose. I just refilled the master and let it gravity bleed. All fixed, no other caliper needed to be bled. This is with a single hydraulic circuit, too.

 

Need to? That's a good question.
If you have no service history you should consider new rubber brake lines while you're replacing the front calipers.
While you are bleeding the front you have all the tools and brake fluid and a helper or a Motive (already hooked up).
You haven't changed the fluid in the rear so consider bleeding them (bleed the inner first then the outer) and then you can give the rear a good inspection and consider new rubber hoses in the rear or whatever else you find back there.

You said you finally got your 'Dream Car' so do things properly and avoid problems while you're on the road.

 

If the M/C was dry you might or might not get by with just filling it up.
You can't say for sure until you can or can not get a firm pedal.

 

Thanks Chris!
This has been so helpful already stoked to be part of this group!

 

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

Did you get it taken cre of? I am rebuilding my rear calipers and will be doing the same.

 

the direct answer to your question is you only need to bleed the fronts assuming the master doesn't run dry. Personally, I'd do all four. Don't forget the rears have two bleeders. I use off the shelf napa dot 3 fluid.

 

Just installed new rotors,calipers and hoses on the front. Also changed the fluid and gravity bled the front only which took some time by myself but worked out very well. Seems to have a good pedal.
Hoping to get the time to do the same to the rear here in the next week or so.
Thanks 👍🏻

 

I've always used the gravity bleed method. Works great an d I've never had a problem. Only drawback is it's time consuming.