Bleeding brakes

[Dave Fehrle]

I have finished replacing all the rear suspension and am at the last item, which is bleeding the rear brakes. I am using the Jason Edge vacuum pump method and all went well with the rear passenger side but when I started the driver rear, no fluid came out when I opened the bleeder!

When I took it apart there was fluid in the line. Now what should be done? Do I check the line from the splitter to the hose? Or is there another check before just replacing the control valve?

[Dave Fehrle]

I mean wheel cylinder not control valve!

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Hi Dave,

     Albeit the vacuum pump is a method to use to bleed brakes, I find that the best way is to have a person in the vehicle assisting you - it's flawless.  It is the best way to activate full pressure on the master cylinder.  With the master cylinder full, try to disconnect the line from the rubber hose and see if fluid comes out of the line.  If it does, then it's between the hose and/or the cylinder.  You can also remove the bleeder valve from the cylinder and see if it shoots out.  The bleeder could be clogged or dirty.  Give it a try, but have someone pump those brakes.

Dennis DiBari

[Russ Austin]

I find the 2 person method works best. I tried the vacuum pumps and they dont draw on the long lines to the rear very well.

[Tony Prichard]

The Motive brake bleeders seem to work pretty well. I haven't done it on my Cadillac yet but it worked pretty well on my other cars. You put brake fluid in the container and then pump up the pressure. An adapter fits over the master cylinder and pressurizes brake fluid through the system. All you do is open the bleed screw and wait for the bubbles to stop.

There's plenty of videos on YouTube that demonstrate it.