No fluid to rear brakes.

[oldie67]

I am a newbie so bear with me. I am the new owner of my dad's 67 chevy stepside 2wd. I am having problems bleeding the rear brakes. I had to replace both wheel cylinders plus new brake shoes and I also replaced the master cylinder. I have removed all the lines from the distribution block (prop valve) and blew air through all the lines. Still no fluid. I have also tried gravity bleeding but still no fluid. I read on another thread that my valve may need to be reset. I removed the distirbution block and removed the pin from it. When I look down inside the block all I see is a bar of some sort. So how can tell if the valve needs to be reset or replaced? My brake light on the dash is not on. It only comes on when I first start the truck but then it goes out. My truck is all four wheel drum brakes. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Oldie67

1967 Chevy Stepside 2WD
350 engine
T350 Tranny
600 cfm Edelbrock carb
Edelbrock Rpm camshaft and intake manifold

[usmcchevy]

Check your rear brake hose. They like to swell shut on the inside.

[chuckmc8]

I agree with usmcchevy-The flex brake line hose goes from the top of the differential to the frame- these are avail at box parts stores. since u have to take the old one off anyway, remove it and take it with you to compare at the store. If it is possible to sell the wrong one, the employed at AZ and such can rise up to the task....

[oldie67]

Thanks for the help. I will replace the rear brake hose and let you know how it goes.

Thanks,

Oldie67

[71meangreenc10]

Did you bench bleed the master cylinder before you installed it?

Smitty

[72 Super]

Welcome to the board. If you replace your brake hoses and still no luck I would try another master cylinder.

Ray

[cdowns]

that pin on the distribution block should NEVER be removed// to reset it you take a clamp and push it in

[oldie67]

Sorry for the late response. Been working long hours.

I did blech bleed the master cylinder before installing it. I was able to get a new rear brake hose today. I will try to install it tomorrow if it doesn't rain. I appreciate all the help and support. Will keep you posted on my progress.

[oldie67]

Sorry for the late update. I have not been able to work on the truck lately due to my job. I just finished replacing my rear brake hose and still NO fluid. I blew air through the lines before installing the hose. I then let it gravity bleed for about 45 minutes but still no fluid. I then hooked up my test to a ground and ran a wire from the positive side of the battery to the brake switch contact pin on the prop valve. The light came on. Does this mean that the prop valve needs to be reset. If so, how is it reset? Also my pedal goes all the way to the floor.

Thanks,

Oldie67

[cjohnson6772]

My truck is disc brakes on the front, but I've been having a similar problem. Here is what I found out after a lot of headache. The prop valve on mine at least has a port on top with the sensor for the brake light. If you remove the sensor and look down in the valve then you can see a shuttle in the valve. The shuttle needs to be in the middle. Ok well mine was always pushed to the rear. I could take the sensor out and physically move the shuttle, but the first time I would touch the pedal the shuttle moved back blocking off the rear brakes. So the problem was that I needed the shuttle in the middle to bleed the brakes, but you can't bleed the brakes without touching the pedal.....hmmm.....or can you. Get a vacuum bleader. A mechanic friend of mine had one and it fixed the problem instantly. Basically it is a vacuum pump that fits over the bleeder valve and sucks the fluid through and the air out. Just make sure and keep fluid in the master cylinder as you bleed it. Worked for me. Stops like a new truck. Good luck

[oldie67]

Thanks for the info. My friend has a vaccum bleeder so I will see if I can borrow it. I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks,

Oldie67

[mbgmike]

Originally Posted by oldie67

Sorry for the late response. Been working long hours.

I did blech bleed the master cylinder before installing it. I was able to get a new rear brake hose today. I will try to install it tomorrow if it doesn't rain. I appreciate all the help and support. Will keep you posted on my progress.

You can bench bleed it but if on vehicle you don't have to take it off. Mfg's tell you this as they deal with DIY's Most techs do not bench bleed unless new and sometimes not even then. You can disconnect the two ports and place your fingers over them. While someone slowly pushes the pedal(slowly is the key) then hook up the lines and bleed normally. It can make a mess but you use rags.
I suspect the rear hose as they do seperate as stated earlier.Brakes are pretty easy but they can be a headache at times. It really a simple system

[oldie67]

Thanks MGBMIKE,

I did bench bleed the m/c again last night. The pedal gets hard but as soon as I remove the plugs and install the lines the pedal is very spongy. I still have no fluid to the rear brakes. I am going to try and reset my prop valve today. I have also replaced the rear brake hose but still no fluid. This is my first time dealing with something like this so I apologize if I keep going over the same thing. I appreciate all the help and advice.

Thanks,

Oldie67

[oldie67]

Sorry for the late update. I have been working a lot of hours at work. Just wanted to let you know that I now have brakes all around. I did a bench bleed of the master cylinder and replaced the rear brake hose and blew air through the rear lines. I now have a good pedal. Thanks to everyone for their help. I'm loving this site.

Thanks again,

Oldie67