BRAKE BLEEDING

[WSU77]

I am going to do my front brakes pretty soon, i.e. pads, rotors, and calipers. I know I will have to bleed the brakes, so I have 2 questions...

1. If I am only replacing the front brakes do I need to bleed the rear ones as well?

2. How do I bleed the brakes, I looked on the site but there is not a whole lot of info. for this subject.

[Jason McCallister]

1. Yes - if you are replacing calipers, the whole system including the ABS module (if applicable) will need to be bled.

2. Summary:

- Turn the ignition on (wait for the gauge test to clear) and off. Do this one more time. This ensures the ABS module has been reset.

- Bleed the front ABS module bleeder screw first, the back ABS module bleeder screw next (if applicable).

- Then bleed the wheel brakes in the following order: Passenger Rear, Driver Rear, Passenger Front, Driver Front

- Then bleed the ABS module again as stated above (if applicable).

I would recommend buying a cheap ($10) Haynes manual from your local parts store for more detailed instructions on brake repair/bleeding.

[ September 04, 2003: Message edited by: Jason McCallister ]</p>

[viper98885]

I would suggest a set of "Speed Bleeders"

They make the job a whole lot easier.

[fenderman]

I thought the whole reason for bleeding was to get air out of the system. That being the case, if there is only air in the new calipers, why does the whole system need to be bled? The only way I see air working into the rest of the system is if the master cylinder went dry or if one of the lines/proportioning valve/ABS module broke and had to be replaced...... fill me in on the whys for servicing the entire system for just front calipers.

[ September 04, 2003: Message edited by: fenderman ]</p>

[Jason McCallister]

Once you relieve the pressure in the brake system, fluid from the rear will move forward. Air will travel rearward to fill the space that the fluid left behind.

For a very rough example; turn a milk jug full of water upside down.... as the water comes out, air goes in. Pressure must be equalized.

[fenderman]

Right, but doesn't that air come from the master cylinder? That's the level I've always seen go down when brake fluid is leaking or being bled.

Either way, the Haynes manual does suggest bleeding the entire system, so just go with that. I'm just trying to figure out for the life of me why it has to be the whole system. Not once in my years of servicing my calipers have I ever had to bleed my entire system, but now that I have the Camaro things are going to change as I want to do it right. I just like understanding the theory behind it, and just dont see if the air is coming through the master cylinder why it would also displace the fluid in the lines.

EDIT: BTW, Jason thanks for the detailed instructions on how to do this. It's seriously very helpful information for anyone not having the manual to reference.

[ September 04, 2003: Message edited by: fenderman ]</p>

[zlexiss]

Full bleed is a good idea. If the master cylinder level stays high, air shouldn't get into the rears, but I wouldn't take any chances there.

Plus, it's always good to get some fresh brake fluid in there anyways. It'll keep stuff from corroding and other bad stuff by getting rid of the old, water-saturated fluid.

-Jeff

[speedy-v6-camaro]

Off chance....does anyone know how much fluid it will take to do a complete system bleed?

[WSU77]

Is it ok if I put in all new brake fluid???

[Jason McCallister]

I recommend it! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] When you start bleeding the right rear, bleed it till it's fresh. Do the same for the rest of the wheels & ABS module.

I also agree with viper98885... get a set of SpeedBleeders and cut the bleeding job time in half! ;)

EDIT: Keep two of the big bottles (not sure of the oz.) of fluid handy for a full fluid exchange.

[ September 05, 2003: Message edited by: Jason McCallister ]</p>

[WSU77]

I am researching Speed Bleeders right now. I assume most auto parts will carry them??? Is there a particular brand that is good, or type that I should go with or stay away from. Thanks

[Jason McCallister]

Thunder Racing carries them. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[viper98885]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by WSU77:
I am researching Speed Bleeders right now. I assume most auto parts will carry them??? Is there a particular brand that is good, or type that I should go with or stay away from. Thanks<hr></blockquote>

It's not likely that a common auto parts will have them in stock. I sell them if you need some, check the website.

[PiLOTLiTE]

Uh, there are bleeders on the ABS module? Where? Isn't that thing with the big connector and brake lines going into and out of it the ABS module? I see no bleeders. I had to bleed my brakes after my engine swap and only bled from the calipers, but the brakes seem fine.

[Jason McCallister]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by PiLOTLiTE:
Uh, there are bleeders on the ABS module?<hr></blockquote>

I said "if applicable". ;) My 96 had two bleeder screws on the ABS module... however, my 2000 does not. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[ September 08, 2003: Message edited by: Jason McCallister ]</p>