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Brake Bleeding issue

Greetings,

I have a 98 C-1500 2x4 with 50,000 miles on it, and recently the brakes seemed to be a bit mushy, so I decided to bleed them. I have started with the back right brake, and 16 oz of brake fluid later, I'm still seeing little bubbles.

The method I'm using is to have a '1 man bleeding kit', with a little cone thing stuck in the bleed screw, magnetically held to the frame above the brake. I'm doing about 6 brake pumps per bottle-full, and then emptying it then topping off the brake fluid reservoir.

I haven't opened the system at all, and really didn't expect any bubbles. I was more expecting to just flush in some new brake fluid, and didn't expect any air to actually be in the system. The brake system does not appear to be leaking (ie the fluid wasn't low)

Is there something bizzarely wrong with my system, or could air just be leaking in at the bleed screw connection? If something is wrong, any thoughts on what it might be? The truck does have ABS, and the fluid was changed out in late 99.

Thanks.

Reply to
scott
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The problem is your "1 man bleeding kit" is too good to be true. Its sucking air around the threads of the bleeder you have cracked open.

Might still be able to use it if you buy some finger-putty window caulk and seal around the threads. Others have suggested wheel bearing grease. Don't use a lot as all you have to do is plug the air leak in the threads.

Reply to
David Kelly

I'd personally use white thread tape. It won't get into the brake system and shouldn't leave any traces behind..

Reply to
Tiffany/Steve

I have been an industrial mechanic (millwright) for about 30 years now and presently spend most of my time with tiny metering pumps (similar to a complcated hydraulic system. What I have learned is that Teflon tape does NOT seal threads and it is also a known contaminent in tiny passages. Teflon tape is not recommended for hydraulic systems (brakes are hydraulic systems).

Teflon tape only lubricates the threads - the pipe threads seal themselves when they are tightened up but they cannot seal when loosened. This was proved to myself and many of my colleges at a hydraulics seminar a couple of years ago.

The safe thing to use is thick grease for this application.

-- Regards Gordie

Reply to
The Nolalu Barn Owl

Brake bleeder screws are not pipe thread, none of the sealing functions of a brake bleeder screw are accomplished by the threads.

Preferably a silicone based grease such as Silglyde, petroleum based grease or any other petroleum product should never be used anywhere in a brake hydraulic system

Reply to
Neil Nelson

You reading this thread Doc? :)

Reply to
CCred68046

I could be wrong, but who cares if the air is being sucked in around the threads and then blown out thru the bleeder hose. I've used just about every 1-man bleeding system on hte market mostly the pressure bleeder types. They all worked pretty much the same. They replaced all the old fluid with new, clear fluid which is what I wanted. Don't care or even know if all traces of air were purged from the system. When the fluid ran clear after 2 quarts and the pedal was dick hard, I was done. To hell with getting every microscopic air bubble out of the system. It can't be done.

I wouldn't use a petroleum based product in or near any part of the brake system.

Reply to
Rob

Don't know if you have access to shop air, but I have had decent luck with a cheap venturi-type vacuum pump. Place the hose to the bleeder, turn on vacuum, open bleeder screw, watch fluid run clear, close bleeder screw, shut off vacuum.

The results are better with some Silglyde on the bleeder screw threads... less foaming in the jar where the fluid drains.

BTW, I like ATE Super Blue brake fluid. It has a blue dye so you can see when the old fluid is flushed out. Next time you flush, use a standard fluid color.

Reply to
Miki Kanazawa

Yeah...............................having flashbacks...................

He he he he, ol' Chelsea's brakes are still stopping great; pedal feels like shit, but she stops on a dime. I've mustered up enough courage to do several brake jobs for friends since then and all have been uneventful. I am, and will remain scarred for a long, long time.

Doc

Reply to
"Doc"

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