The brake saga continues...

[Creatrixx]

We decided that trying to put an adjusted version of a VW bug master cylinder in was risky, so we thought it might be prudent to just try and hone the one I have and see if that fixes the problem. It looked much better after honing it and we ran some fluid through it by hand pumping it out and all looked good.

So, we put it on the car and try to bleed the brakes... but nothing came out. The fluid level didn't even go down. So, we know the cylinder pumps fluid out when hand pumped, and we know that there isn't a break in the line (or we know that isn't the problem) because the fluid level didn't go down. My boyfriend insisted that he hooked the master cylinder up right... Is there a trick to bleeding the brakes? We have a front/back dual line system. We tried it with and without the "emergency switch" in the cylinder.

Any thoughts?

 

[dklawson]

Your master cylinder is different than the one on my car so I don't know if there are special concerns regarding what you have. However, some people feel it's necessary to "pre-bleed" (bench bleed) the master prior to hooking it up to the plumbing on the car. (I don't see the merritt in it). The method is simple enough, you rig up a system where you put fitting(s) in the discharge port(s) of the master cylinder and hook short lengths of tubing to the fitting(s). The tubes go back into the entrance to the reservoir. Basically all you do is slowly operate the actuator to pump fluid through the master cylinder, wet all the seals, and make sure it's pumping without trapped air on the discharge side. An acquaintance of mine found a kit in the parts store that was designed just for that purpose.

I know that your BF said it's all put together correctly, but you may need to pull it apart again just to make sure the cup seals are pointing the right way.

 

[Creatrixx]

Thanks, Doug. I can always count on you to help!

 

[Silverghost]

Hey Creatrixx.....you've been silent lately. You still with us?