brakes (drum)

Discussion in '1960-1966' started by rustbucket, Jun 29, 2002.

  1. rustbucket

    rustbucket Member

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    Location:
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    How do I bleed brake lines that were totally dry ?
     
  2. roadrally

    roadrally Member

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    Jun 29, 2002
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    Probably about the same way as normal---only it takes longer. I actually was told by a guy that did fleet maintanence for the local bread company, that a good way to bleed brakes was to just open all the bleed valves and let gravity take care of it. Of course you 've got to be careful that the reservoir doesn't go dry while you're dripping or you get more air.
    Also, if you're system has been dry for a long time, the rubber seals in the master cylinder and wheel cylinders could give trouble...may have to rebuild these. If it's been a really long time they might even have rusted. Best keep a close eye on the fluid level in the master cylinder for a while.

    Good luck
     
  3. dvalentine

    dvalentine Charter Member

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    If your system was dry from sitting, you should look everything over. Check all flex lines front and rear for cracking. Inspect hardlines front to rear. I think I would disconnect the hard lines from the flex hoses at the wheels and start pumping brake fluid through. Strain it all into a bucket and look for crud and rust. After it starts flowing clean, then connect them to the wheel cylinders and start the bleeding in earnest.

    Dennis
     
  4. rustbucket

    rustbucket Member

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    Thanks to both of you.
    I was able to get the brake lines off the rear but not the front. Those were a bit rusted. I am going to just replace all the lines and wheel cylinders. This truck has been sitting up since 1985.
     
  5. dvalentine

    dvalentine Charter Member

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    >Thanks to both of you.
    >I was able to get the brake lines off the rear but not the
    >front. Those were a bit rusted. I am going to just replace
    >all the lines and wheel cylinders. This truck has been
    >sitting up since 1985.


    Good move Rusty !! and, good luck with the restoration.
     

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