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Date:         26 Feb 97 11:27:10 PST
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         CARVER_JEFFREY@aphub.aerojetpd.com (Jeff Carver)
Subject:      Solo Brake Bleeding Success (finally)

As some of you are well aware, my past success with brake bleeding has be a perfect zero percent. Well, that has FINALLY changed. I bled the brakes, again, this time with a minor set-back, then success.

In the neverending quest to find solo techniques, brake bleeding had eluded me. A couple of sneaky tips and a nifty modification finally did it.

Sneaky tip #1 - After attaching a clear hose onto the brake bleeder nipple, run the hose OVER the top of the tire. This will ensure that air coming out of the line, and any getting in at the bleeder will go away from the cylinder by floating UP to the top of the tire. Use a long hose.

#2 - After breaking open the bleeder, let gravity do it's thing and let the juices flow. After fluid has collected to the top of the hose, hold the hose up a little more and then move the hose around to get the bubble to go to the jar end of the hose. Viola, fluid throughout the entire hose, without bubbles. Watch closely and you'll see flotsam and jetsam flowing through the hose, and little bubbles too. Remember to keep the master filled.

Modification - I installed a drip irrigation nipple/threaded gizmo into the master lid ('80 Vanagon) and applied a little pressure to the master to help the fluids flow. Nature assists in keeping the pressure to about 16 psi using my Mity Mite vacuum as a pressure giver.

I can press on the pedal to force out fluid, and with pressure applied fill the master without drawing fluid back in from the jar (do it slowly)

Everything looked good, went for a test drive. Noticed lack of braking ability. ARRGH! Checked and found a leaking nipple. Re-bled leaker and all was right, finally!

So, THAT'S how brakes are supposed to feel!

- Jeff '80 Westi Lots stopping me now!


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