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Bleeding brakes without shoes


rodneybeauchamp

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Putting all new brakes in, resleeved cylinders, new brake lines, etc. Can the brake bleeding be done without the shoes and springs installed. Cylinder pistons come up against a stop on the backing plate, so won't fall out. Has anyone done this with success?

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You can could use a vacuum pump at the slave side to draw fresh fluid down. This way you wouldn't have to press the brake pedal. Makes a good one-man bleader system.

 

Several types available. This is one example. http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-brake-bleeder.html?fee=7&fep=49482&SRCCODE=GA220010&adpos=1o8&creative=83580269820&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CKysmteF9soCFQ6LaQod_3gH3g

 

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Hi Paul,

As all brake bits are off, would like to assemble fluid side of brakes first in order to prevent any possibility of contaminating the linings.

That was might thought pattern. Especially as I will be installing all new hoses and metal brake tubes. Much easier to check for leaks with every thing off, no drums in the way.

Rodney

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You can not check the brake system for fluid leaks without apply pressure to it.

Once you have bleeded the brake system you probably want to check your break pedal feel / pressure Point with and without power on.

This will not work without liners and drums installed as well.

 

If your brake system is complete empty, specially the master brake cylinder, please do not forget to bleed the cylinder without lines engaged. Otherwise air will most likely remain in the System.

 

Frank

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You can not check the brake system for fluid leaks without apply pressure to it.

Once you have bleeded the brake system you probably want to check your break pedal feel / pressure Point with and without power on.

This will not work without liners and drums installed as well.

 

If your brake system is complete empty, specially the master brake cylinder, please do not forget to bleed the cylinder without lines engaged. Otherwise air will most likely remain in the System.

 

Frank

+1 on Frank's comments. 

If you are a first timer doing this, I can see your concern of possible lining contamination but not with bleeding the brakes but rather when installing the brake shoes. Bleeding is done from behind the backing plate. To avoid lining contamination during installation, apply masking tape to the brake linings. Assemble the shoes, remove the tape, install the drums, adjust, bleed, re-adjust if necessary.  

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                 Speaking as a car repair professional of 41 years, put it all together and bleed the brakes last. What you

are suggesting is akin to taking a shower with your clothes on, then removing them and putting them in the drier to dry them out,

then getting dressed again.  Also, use silicone fluid (DOT 5). On a car that isn't driven but sparingly, your brake hydraulics will last ten times longer with silicone fluid.

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Many thanks for your thoughts, yes probably overthinking things, just put it all together and bleed system. Take on board the bleeding of the cylinder first. A Buick service bulletin advises using the power booster with pressure applied to bleed, where as have seen other notes not too. Confusing.

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