QuestionHi- the flex line is blocked. I tried to thread a thin metal wire thru the hose and it would not pass just after where the connector meets the flex line, only on one end. I am guessing that is a bad thing and i should order a new one. Do those hoses deteriorate inside and block the passage of fluid? That still doesn't explain the soft pedal.... I will order the part on Monday.
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When I bled the brakes I was ok until I got to the last wheel driverside front. Opened the bleeded and pushed the brake pedal and nothing came out. pedal did not go all the way to the floor but was still quite low. loosend the bleeder some more - pumped - still nothing. Have we found the problem in this wheel cylinder? what do you think? thanks
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thanks will try it- it is ok to bleed each wheel wiht the tire off isn't it? I did use DOT 3 on the first wheel bleed, am I in trouble now? I am off to the auto parts store vor DOT 4. -rick
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Hi- my 1970 tr6 lost break pressure over the spring while in storage. I bled the system from the rear passenger side, got pretty good pedal and then lost the pressure after about 5 min. of pedal use. Did I need to bleed all of the wheels? I have not noticed any pools of brake fluid on the ground. Any ideas where I should start looking? thanks -rick
Answer -
Hi Rick,
Yes, you need to bleed all four wheels starting at the rear wheel that is furthest from the line junction going to the rear, I believe that is the right rear, than the left rear, then do the same to the front (right front first). Be sure NOT to use DOT 3 fluid. Use DOT 4 fluid. If this does not solve the problem, you need to use a systematic method of diagnosis.
First determine if you are loosing fluid. If so and you don't see fluid leaking, check inside the brake booster.
If you are not loosing fluid do the following,
Note if you can pump up some pedal pressure and if you let it set for a few minutes and you have no pedal again, pull the hand brake up tight and pump up the pedal again and see if you maintain a peddle after a few minutes. If you do, than your rear brakes need adjusting or repair. If none of this helps you need to locate dead plugs to replace the line fittings on the master cylinder. (Some bleeder valve assortments have the same threads as the line fittings) Some mechanics make dead plugs out of old line fittings. You use these dead plugs in place of the brake lines to diagnose where the fault is by first plugging both lines. You should than have a rock hard pedal and it should stay after bleeding it. If you do than the master is OK. Replace one plug with a brake line and bleed again and if it is OK than it is the other (front or rear) which ever is left.
The front calipers are many times a problem due to the large capacity of the cylinders and the design of the seal flexing back and forth when the brakes are applied.
Let me know the results of your tests.
Howard
Answer -
Just get all of the DOT 3 out of the system. If it was just installed recently, it probably has not had time to destroy the seals in the system. Drain the system and bleed a lot with DOT 4 at all 4 wheels, then proceed as per my previous instructions. good luck. Yes, bleed with all 4 wheels off in the order I gave you.
let me know.
Howard
Answer -
You definately found a problem as to weather it is the only problem you will not know untill you correct this one. First look for a pinched brake line then take the bleeder valve all of the way out but keep a shop rag over the hole so if rust and trash is stopping the hole and it blows out, You will not get fluid in the face and all over. If fluid still don't come out loosen the flex line from the caliper. If no fluid comes out then loosen the hard line from the flex line.
let me know.
Howard
AnswerThe flex lines swell up and since they can't expand, the inside closes up. There is no trash in the line. If it was a British line it is most likely that DOT 3 was in the system. If I were you I would replace all three flex lines. You will still need to cross the bridge of the soft peddle after you replace the lines and get all of the DOT 3 out. You can e-mail me at fitzcharlesh@bellsouth.net after you have done that and I will walk you through the process of correcting the soft peddle.
Howard
