DO it yourself full bleed ?

[tonycarguy]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: tonycarguy
I've tried Mityvac and it didn't work well because there was a poor seal around the bleeder nut threads. If you don't have an excellent seal, it won't work.

If you use one of the 2 rigid supplied hoses with the Mityvac, it will not fit well with the bleeder nut threads. I used a flexible hose I bought at an auto parts store, it seal very well and I did brake flush on 3 cars without any problem.

I'm not talking about hose fitting over the bleeder nipple. I'm talking about the threads on the bleeder nut not sealing with the caliper female threads. Mityvac's solution is to remove the nut and wrap it with teflon tape but I didn't feel like doing that

 

[OtisBlkR1]

Originally Posted By: bigmike
Originally Posted By: OtisBlkR1
or just take it to the shop ? my fluid has never been changed (5 year old truck) and im not real keen on trying to talk my wife through the bleeding process (slowly pump the brake now hunny)... what would you do ? worth the hassle ? 06 silverado 5.3ltr front disc rear drum.. and im also considering a rear brake job, just did the front rotors and pads, figure may as well finish with the back.. but if i take the truck to the shop for a full brake fluid service, i may as well just have them do the rear brakes..


I do this every 1-2 years on mine and my wife is the helper. It's an easy job on this truck and you will not need to lift it to complete the job. For the front wheels, you might need to turn the steering wheel for access to the bleeder.

A few words...

As was mentioned, don't pump the pedal to the floor. Put a brick behind the pedal or something so this doesn't happen.

You can use windshield washer hose to push onto the bleeders.

If you need the steps I use, I'll be glad to post them for you.


Yes thank you, id like to have a good reference.. as ive not done this job before.

 

[SS1970chrysler]

I use the Motive power bleeder on all my cars. It's been a godsend.

 

[bigmike]

Ok, well hopefully I don't forget anything here.. feel free to critique!

I use Dot 3 fluid (usually Prestone or Valvoline, but any good Dot 3 works) and it takes about a quart to bleed the entire system clean.

I start from passenger rear, then driver rear. I use windshield wiper hose for my line to hook to the bleeder valve. I'm a fairly large guy and I don't lift the vehicle for this.

1. Make sure vehicle is off.
2. Crawl under the truck and hook up the hose to the passenger rear. Drop the hose into a container, plastic cup, or bottle, etc. I usually put some fluid in the bottom of the container, just in case to prevent air from being introduced into the line.
3. Have your helper build pressure in the brake system by pumping the brakes until the pedal is hard.
4. Have your helper begin to push down on the pedal slowly as you open the valve. Close the valve before they lift their foot back up. This is important to give your helper clear instruction (up, down slowly, etc.).
4. Continue this until the fluid turns clear.
5. Repeat for all wheels in this order: passenger rear, driver rear, passenger front, driver front.
6. For the front wheels, turn the steering wheel all the way for easier access. Unless you have popeye arms, you might need to start the vehicle for that.

Note:
1. Do NOT allow the helper to push the pedal to the floor. There have been times this damages the seals in the master cylinder.
2. Make sure the fluid is maintained in the master cylinder. Do NOT let it go empty!


I've received mixed comments on what I do next. I take it for a drive and activate the ABS on a quiet road. This can be quite frightening for some people. Afterward, I re-bleed the system again following the same procedure above. You might not want to or feel the need to do this.

You might want to watch this video:
http://youtu.be/LgxMfQUMdJY