Posted By: ProSport
Proper way to fill new brake system with fluid? - 06/22/14 09:55 PM
I have manual brakes on a 72 Duster, drum in the rear and Strange disc brakes up front with a modern style master cylinder with the 2 plastic caps that twist-on, and all brand new brake lines.
Do I just fill the master cylinder and let it gravity feed the lines over night, and bleed them the next day? Or is it more complicated than that?
My Strange front discs are the 4-piston type so I have to bleed the 2 on top and then flip it around and bleed the other 2.
Posted By: goldduster318
Re: Proper way to fill new brake system with fluid? - 06/22/14 11:17 PM
Bench bleed the master cylinder, then just pressure bleed at the RR, then LR, then RF, then LF. The pump up, open bleeder, pedal to floor, close bleeder method. Use a glass jar and some clear hose so you can see the air leaving.
I don't think you'll have to let it gravity bleed overnight. Shouldn't take all that long to get a good pedal.
Posted By: ProSport
Re: Proper way to fill new brake system with fluid? - 06/22/14 11:27 PM
Ok, I already have the master cylinder filled with fluid, so I'll need to syphon that out and disconnect the lines, and unbolt it from the firewall.
Is there a certain procedure to bench bleeding?
Posted By: goldduster318
Re: Proper way to fill new brake system with fluid? - 06/22/14 11:52 PM
I use plugs and then just push the pushrod in and out on the bench until I can't see air coming out of the ports anymore. I suppose you could do this on the car, but it's going to be a bit harder. If you did it my way, it can be like a fluid geyser coming out of the MC anyway, and you don't want that on your paint.
That looks to me like a 1 1/8" MC. I hope not, if it is, you'll have a super stiff pedal and not very responsive brakes. I highly recommend the 15/16" one from Dr. Diff or you can use the stock size 1 1/32", which will be decent as well. With the Organic pads and the 15/16 MC (and the 11.75" brakes), my car will jerk you right through the windshield without having to give it all of your might to stop.
Posted By: kentj340
Re: Proper way to fill new brake system with fluid? - 06/23/14 12:37 AM
Go to YouTube and search for bench bleeding master cylinder. Plenty of videos.
Posted By: 70AARcuda
Re: Proper way to fill new brake system with fluid? - 06/23/14 12:43 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEPXgDGU6_0you can do this with master cylinder bolted into the car..
Posted By: 383man
Re: Proper way to fill new brake system with fluid? - 06/23/14 01:12 AM
When I restored my 63 I did the complete brake system including getting a full brake pedal myself. I bench bleed the M/C before I put it on and then let the cylinders all gravity bleed at each wheel. After they did I close them up and pump the pedal and then gravity bled them all again. Still have a full pedal to this day and that was in 2006. I always gravity bleed first as it may not get you a full pedal all the time but it always helps so you dont have to have someone pump the pedal as much as they would if I did not gravity bleed. Ron
Posted By: finadk
Re: Proper way to fill new brake system with fluid? - 06/23/14 05:33 AM
I just bought a hydraulic brake bleeder from Harbor Freight.
Works great and comes with a fluid container to refill the reservoir while you bleed them.
http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-fluid-bleeder-92924.html
Posted By: gregn96cuda
Re: Proper way to fill new brake system with fluid? - 06/23/14 06:00 AM
I think if you use dot 5 silicone fluid your paint will be safe. You will never have any moisture problems in the future with dot 5.
Posted By: RapidRobert
Re: Proper way to fill new brake system with fluid? - 06/23/14 05:00 PM
"bench" bleeding is a misnomer stemming from when people sometimes bled the MC ahead of time on the bench likely secured in a vise. Bench bleeding means that you dont jus pour fluid into the MC then bleed out the wheels but instead you bleed out the MC by itself first either on the bench or on the car then do the corners.I do it with the MC installed on the car rather than on the "bench" as is too likely to spill fluid when your done till it is carried/installed on the firewall. Get the kit at your parts house that consists of 2 blue plastic male fittings that screw into the MC ports & 2 short pieces of black tubing that connect to the fittings & run up several inches & around into the bowls & there's a clip that holds em in place. Put a block of wood of the proper thickness under the brake pedal so you do not push the MC cups past their normal travel then reasonably slowly push the pedal in/out maybe 20 strokes & I like to have a helper do the pedal & me watching the MC so the hoses stay put etc. then when done hookup the steel lines & bleed out the corners in order as described (keep the block under the pedal). Dont let the MC get low. I wrap a large bath towel under the MC/lines to catch any fluid mess