Bleeding front brakes

[skokie]

I got the back ones bled no problem. The front ones are being a pain. I cant get my wrench in there to loosen the valve. The ones on the back were pointing straight but the ones up front are angled. Is there a special wrench I need to get this done? Btw this is a all drum setup.
Thanks

[skokie]

Ttt

[CPNEJR]

do you have the wheel off??

if not it should help you get your head in far enough with a drop light (if you have one) to see what ur doing and get the wrench on there

[skokie]

Here is a pic of the bleeder. Its kinda tough to tell but at the angle it is at I cant get a wrench on there at all. I have tried to get a socket in there as well and it would not go in far enough to get a bite on the head. Any suggestions?

[kingsolver72]

Can you get a nut driver on it?

[skokie]

Originally Posted by kingsolver72

Can you get a nut driver on it?

Nope. It wont catch the head of it.

[purple gas]

When I did mine I know I had a few cramps by the time I was done. I blocked mine & pulled the tire off, & it was still awquard as hell. Maybe a thin walled deep socket might help to get it loosend. I can't really remember exactly how I got mine done, perhaps it was such a traumatic experience my mind is blocking it out . But I seem to remember if you get the right end of the wrench at just the right angle you can move the bleeder just enough to get the job done, but it ain't easy. Don't forget to swear lots. Good luck.

[kingsolver72]

Both driver and passenger sides are identical?I wonder if changing wheel cylinders will help?

[skokie]

Purple Gas I have been swearing enough belive me I have a thin walled socker that I tried and same thing no luck. Just barley misses the head of it.
Looking at the pic again the problem is the piece that I colered in red. What is that piece anyway.

[kingsolver72]

Maybe you could pull your brake line and put a longer bleeder screw in.

[skokie]

Yep I could. Would do it to both sides to. How much brake fluid would shoot out if I did that?

[kingsolver72]

It will probably leak unless you find a way to stop the bleeding so to speak.I always keep lots of brake fluid around.

[purple gas]

That part in red is just part of the casting for the spindle holder dealy I think. I had one new cylinder & one old one. I think I maybe did put a new bleeder in the old one though. But I had to replace the hose on the side with the old cylinder, maybe that's how I got mine started. It sat for 8 yrs, so some stuff was pretty crusty. If your real ambitious, or need to put new shoes on maybe pull the cylinder through the front to get the bleeder loose, or put a new longer one on. Damn, where are the experts when you need one?

[kingsolver72]

The experts are probably sleeping.

[OhioDan]

Have you tried a deep, 1/4" drive socket, with a short(2") extension? Just offering suggestions. Good luck.

[4x4Poet]

Originally Posted by OhioDan

Have you tried a deep, 1/4" drive socket, with a short(2") extension...

That's a good suggestion. 1/4" have the thinest walls as alluded to by purple gas. What drive does your thin-walled socket take? Or have you only an end wrench? And what size wrench does the bleeder take?

From the pics, it lools like you might have some rust/mud/crud buildup on that red circle area. Use hammer & chisel/screwdriver to gently chip away at what's there to see if you can gain clearance.

If you're working with cylinders more than 10 years old, I'd replace them and the hoses. In any case, consider switching to Russell Perf Speed Bleeders. All the 67-72 C/K10/20 trucks use #639590, 3/8–24 (verify yourself!). They take a 3/8" wrench. Is that smaller than what you have to ease getting a wrench on them?

I even install Speed Bleeders in brand new calipers and wheel cylinders. One man bleeding.

I'm no expert, but I'm awake.

[Brainchild]

I vote for the deepwell socket too.

[jef5150]

I vote for the deepwell socket too

use a small1/4 drive ratchet , with a 2" long deep 3/8 socket. it works, i just tried it.. jeff

[Tx Firefighter]

I use a 1/4 drive deep socket and it works fine.

Cheaper sockets tend to have thicker walls to make up some strength. A situation like this is where Snap-on or Mac quality socket will work that a more inexpensive brand won't.

[skokie]

Tried the deepwell and it doesnt get a bite on it. Looks like I am going to have to go for the bleeder replacement.

[kingsolver72]

At least it is an inexpensive item.

[purple gas]

remember: If it don't kill you, it makes you stronger!

[Alexis]

Originally Posted by purple gas

remember: If it don't kill you, it makes you stronger!

or really hurts you

[skokie]

I had to call it quits for the day guys. Kids are going bonkers and so is the wife I have tomorrow off so guess what I will be doing.