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07-25-2020, 09:12 AM | #1 |
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Filling a brakes system
Completed the '40 brake system, New wheel cylinders, master cylinder & hoses, along with flushing out and cleaning all the hard lines. What is the best way to refill the system to minimize bleeding. I am not about to invest in a "power bleeder" or whatever since I have been dong it the hard way for 60 years and it works fine for me. Thank you Fordbarners.
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07-25-2020, 09:25 AM | #2 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
Russ, If you've been doing it the "hard way" for 60 years and it "works fine", there is most likely no advice anyone can give you that you've not already figured out on your own.
I've been power bleeding for perhaps 30+ years and recently (finally) had to replace my system. Cost with shipping was under $100 for one heck of a quality unit.
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07-25-2020, 02:02 PM | #3 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
Kube What brand, model etc is it?
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07-25-2020, 02:33 PM | #4 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
Joe,
It's an ATD-5125. I'd received it April 26, 2020. It was just shy of $100 shipped. I think (if I recall correctly) I bought it from the Tool Warehouse. I do recall when searching the Web, this model was priced all over the place. The Warehouse was very good to work with and they shipped fast. I am VERY happy with the quality of this unit and have little doubt it'll outlive me.
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07-25-2020, 02:35 PM | #5 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
Joe, It went up just a few bucks. Here's the link:
https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.co...All%20Products
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07-25-2020, 02:42 PM | #6 | |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
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Quote:
I use a vacuum bleeder myself.
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07-25-2020, 03:10 PM | #7 | |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
Quote:
I've always liked the power bleeding system as there is zero doubt all of the air is removed - even from the master.
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07-25-2020, 06:40 PM | #8 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
We got a little of track here. I have never had to fill a complete system, and likely never will again. It is usually one or two cylinders to bleed. So my question is, how would you start by using gravity to assist. Thank you Fordbarners.
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07-25-2020, 07:42 PM | #9 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
The chances of gravity working well are little to nearly none.
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07-26-2020, 05:39 AM | #10 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
There must be more opinions out there other than Mike's, as much as we all value his experience. When we are referring to gravity, it is in partially filling the system so as to minimize air entrapment. Thank you Fordbarners. Any other opinions ?
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07-26-2020, 08:18 AM | #11 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
I do not think gravity would move the fluid. I used to fill the MC have helper pump the pedal and open farthest bleeder then go to closer one ,etc. You have to always keep fluid in MC.
Now many use speed bleeders to eliminate the helper. http://speedbleeder.com/ Now Like Kube, I use one of these pressure tanks. Made my own cap with a fitting. I hook a clear hose onto each bleeder and simply walk around opening each bleeder untill no bubbles. The nice thing about a pressure bleeder is any leaks become immediately apparent. https://www.amazon.com/motive-power-...+power+bleeder John
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Welcome each day Last edited by john in illinois; 07-26-2020 at 08:44 AM. |
07-26-2020, 08:29 AM | #12 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
It’s hard to gravity bleed these old systems because the master cyl. is mounted so low any car that has the master on the firewall gravity bleed pretty easy like Kube said power bleeders work the best. good luck
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07-26-2020, 08:34 AM | #13 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
The power bleeder (Bendix) I used in the past had a diaphragm between the fluid and the pressurized air; I was taught this was to keep from entraining air into the fluid.
These new bleeders don't separate the two, has something changed? |
07-26-2020, 08:42 AM | #14 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
I always put in the fluid I think I will use and then empty and clean bleeder tank. only exposed to air for a few minutes.
I used to use the diaphragm unit in a shop and you could leave the fluid in it. John
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07-26-2020, 11:12 AM | #15 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
When using the power bleeder method, is it recommended to also use speed bleeders or are standard bleeder screws sufficient/recommended?
JB |
07-26-2020, 11:20 AM | #16 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
The "power" bleeder pressurizes the brake system and then you open the bleeder valve on the wheel cyl to bleed it. I don't think you wouldn't gain anything by using the speed bleeders.
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07-26-2020, 11:54 AM | #17 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
My Mityvac works great. No need to make special MC cover.
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07-26-2020, 11:59 AM | #18 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
I made a vacuum pump out of an old freezer compressor. Use it with a brake bleeder cup. Works great.
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07-26-2020, 12:02 PM | #19 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
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07-26-2020, 01:35 PM | #20 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
I installed a remote fill MC on my 41 and mounted the two fills on the firewall above the wheels. Think this made the bleeding easier like a modern car. But also have bendix on the rear.
https://41fordwoodie.weebly.com/earlyv8discs.html
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07-26-2020, 01:51 PM | #21 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
Gravity bleeding will work well; if the master cyl. is firewall mounted, not so much for under the floor units.
I've messed around with pressure bleeders and using the Mityvac over the years along with the "helper"... best thing I've found are Speedbleeders. Put a set on my '40 and it was the easiest and least messy by far. But YMMV |
07-26-2020, 03:20 PM | #22 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
I have both a Mityvac vacuum unit and a Motive Products pressure bleeder. The pressure bleeder works better than the vacuum bleeder. My Mityvac sucks air around the brake valve no matter what I do so I always see air bubbles. The pressure bleeder pushes the fluid out so the only bubbles you see is the air in the brake line making it easy to tell when the line is free of air. In addition the pressure bleeder doesn't need a air source so you don't need power and an air hose. The purchase price of both units was very sim and you can even build your of pressure bleeder using a 1 gallon sprayer if your handy.
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07-27-2020, 05:47 AM | #23 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
I had a "Mity-Vac" and it never worked for me. I now use "Speed-Bleeders" and am another enthusiastic supporter.
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07-27-2020, 10:21 AM | #24 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
I know this doesn't answer the OP's question, but recently a 30 year old friend helped me install a rear axle assembly in my F350 because he has a lift. Well when it came time to bleed the rear brakes he grabs this thing that looked like an anti theft 'club' that fit between the steering wheel and brake pedal. Next he hooks an air hose to a fitting on it and a jumper to the battery. After that he pulls out a little wireless key fob switch which activates an air switch solenoid. It was sort of like a wife that never gets tired of stepping on and off the pedal. All done in about a minute.
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07-27-2020, 11:13 AM | #25 | |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
Quote:
The diaphragm pressure bleeders are the correct (and best) tool for brake bleeding, keeping air separate from the fluid. |
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07-28-2020, 07:10 PM | #26 |
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Re: Filling a brakes system
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