Brake system adventures

[earl84]

Bought the truck with NO brakes, replaced pretty much everything, MC, booster, all new hardware at all 4 wheels (2 totally shot wheel cylinders) and did the front/rear split (thanks ChiefRocka). Still have old hard lines, though, and will replace at some point. COULD NOT get a pedal. Tried a vacuum bleed but could never tell if the air was from the system or leaking around the drain hose, but didn't matter 'cuz I couldn't get a pedal. Made a homemade pressure brake bleeder, http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed...eder/index.htm, (modified with 1/4 flat plate, threaded for the fitting and copious amounts of RTV, and gasket to seal on MC) and voila, I now have a pedal. YEAH.
Doing a few other things (like the 3/4 ton cab mount conversion, thanks chevyrestoguy), and will hopefully get it on the road for the first time in a day or two, and then do a final bleed. Got some self bleeder screws on there at all 4 corners to do that. Hope all goes well from now on.
Did I mention that I LOVE this forum?
Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend pressure bleeding if anyone is having trouble like I was. I was almost to the tool throwing stages of frustration.

[luvbowties]

Good info. Thanks.
Sam

[tincan1966]

Had an older mechanic teach me how to reverse bleed a system. This was a great thng to learn. easiest way to get air out of lines.

How I was taught:
(if master cylinder is new make sure to bench bleed properly just stopping after not seeing bubbles isn't enough. you should go until you can hardly depress the piston)
Remove master cylinder cap.
Using a new pump type oiling can, fill can with new brake fluid. attach hose to end of oil spout and to bleeder screw.
Open bleeder screw approx 1/2 turn, while pumping fluid back thru the sytem.
Watch for air bubbles in master cylinder. When no more bubbles, move on to next wheel.
Yes this method may require two people. but it works great, since you are moving the air in a natural direction- up!.

[dougf]

Thanks for the advice!