A Bleeding Nuisance

[jandarah]

I just replaced all the rubber brake hoses with HEL brand braided ones. With my wife on the pedal, I bled the system, but, even though air seemed to be removed, the pedal is hopeless and nearly zero braking. I did lose some fluid during the hose changeover and might have let the reservoir level get too low. Also, I did read that the compensator valve needs to be in a certain position for bleeding. Do I have to use Dot 3 or is Dot 4 ok? I am not losing fluid from the new hose connections . I welcome any suggestions.

Many thanks

[joelittel]

Sounds like air in the system. Get yourself a mityvac http://www.idparts.com/mityvac-silverli ... AufV8P8HAQ and some speed bleeders from Autoricambi http://www.autoricambi.us/product/BR0-0 ... RFORMANCE/ and the job is easily done by one person.

As far as which fluid to use I can't say, but I'd go with whatever the shop manual says, and I'm betting it's DOT3. I have heard that mixing them is not recommended.

[njoconnor]

The rear axle/brakes compensator needs to be in "normal" (car level) position. Make sure you have the jacks supporting the axle, not the car frame. An axle at full drop mimics a car in nose down/panic stop, so the compensator closes and one cannot bleed the rears.

Hope that helps. ++1 on the Miteyvac (Mine sez Craftsman, but it's the same exact thing)and speed bleeder recommendation. Never bled brakes before, and those two changes made it fast and easy....and solo!

Neil

[jandarah]

Thanks gents, I am not sure what is available here in Australia at motor parts stores, but, being a car driven country, with lots of "petrol heads", there should be a selection to choose from. It was 37 deg C here yesterday, so I can blame that on my not thinking clearly, especially in relation to the compensator valve. I did have the car body on the stands, not the axle!!! Doing it on my own, without my wife, who would I have to swear at???

OK on the DOT grades, I understand not to mix them, and I believe that DOT 4 has a higher temperature rating.

Many thanks, only 39C predicted today, a very early taste of summer..... ouch!

[DieselSpider]

With the rear axle supported you might not need the vacuum bleeder. If the brake lines are not plugged they should gravity bleed on their own. My 78 is probably the fastest/easiest to gravity bleed I have dealt with so far as the brake fluid starts flowing the moment you crack open the bleeders without having to pump the brake pedal or otherwise coax it.

[jandarah]

What a difference a day makes! With new fluid, a small bleeder kit and a bit of time AND the rear jacked up via the rear axle, it bled like a champ on all wheels. I think that there was enough air in the rear lines to fill a balloon! With that, new fluid and the new braided hoses, braking is much better. Still groaning a bit up front, but not as much. Thanks everyone.