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Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 3:55 pm
by ChrisD
Not sure why I am having this issue, but I can't get the brakes to build/keep good pressure.

When I removed the rear axle, I disconnected the caliper and both sides of the T fitting on the axle. Have tried to bleed the breaks starting from the furtherest point pass side and the pressure is really not that great.

Any suggestions?

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 4:24 pm
by Hoodoo Man
Its probalbly due to the crappy ARB locker you put in... You should sell it cheap to me.... ;)

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 4:41 pm
by dizilbdog
Ox lockers FTW

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 5:17 pm
by Kurt
Did you ever let the master cylinder run low? If you did there could be air in the master cylinder and it may need a "bench bleed".

What method of bleeding are you using?
- Gravity?
- 2 person. 1 person Pedal pumping and the other opening & closing the bleeder?
- Vacuum pump?

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 5:27 pm
by ChrisD
Kurt wrote:Did you ever let the master cylinder run low? If you did there could be air in the master cylinder and it may need a "bench bleed".

What method of bleeding are you using?
- Gravity? That is why I did both pumping fluid in and out...
- 2 person. 1 person Pedal pumping and the other opening & closing the bleeder? Yes... also pumped brake fluid in (have tired both ways)
- Vacuum pump? Tried to rent one, none available

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 5:56 pm
by Carl McFly
I'm thinking master cyl bench bleed. Or you do that already?

And I might have a vacuum pump you can use, leftover from the nightmares I had with my 4-wheel, 4-piston calipers on my Vette. Still gives me chills when I think about it..... I'll look for it tonight but it might have gone with the car

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 6:39 pm
by ChrisD
Thanks Carl for the offer, ended up going and buying a vacuum pump. Going to try this again, will post an update later. The good news is the jeep is back together, will add other mods after the GTD.

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 7:44 pm
by ZAEDOCK
Note for future: when doing rear axle work, set up a pair of Vice-Grips? to close off the rear flex line so the fluid doesn't drip out during your repair.

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 7:56 pm
by ChrisD
Still no luck! The only side that didn't have a steady stream of fluid being sucked in is the front driver side caliper. The 3 other calipers sucked out fluid real nice.

If any connection wasn't 100% tight, wouldn't you see a small amount of fluid leak out?

Right now I have to press the brakes to the floor to stop.. ARUGH

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 8:23 pm
by ChrisD
Is it possible that I have the rear calipers mounted on the wrong side? The result would be the bleeder is towards the bottom and not the top? Right now it is the only thing I can think of.

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 9:02 pm
by ChrisD
Yup, bleeder is facing down son of a b!t*h First for everything right?

Should look like this...
Image

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 9:20 pm
by johnsxj
That'll do it all right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 9:45 pm
by ChrisD
Ever feel like a dumb arse? Yup!

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 9:50 pm
by johnsxj
Happens to the best of us!

Re: Cannot get the brakes to build pressure!

Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 10:00 pm
by nostaw
When I replaced the brake line to the rear in the XJ I just kept putting fluid in the top and pumping it out.... Took a looooong time. It makes a big difference if someone is there to help you.

JW