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Brake bleeding problems

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 12:59 pm
by ratrodmog
Good afternoon everyone, hopefully someone can offer some advise on what I'm doing wrong.

Trying to bleed the brakes on a '71 Converted Saloon without much luck. Following the Haynes idea of moving round the car starting at nearside front and ending offside front. Done this at least 4 times and the pedal is still hitting the floor on first press but then pressurises on the second. Using my wife as pedal pusher whilst I crack the cylinder nipple, get some pressure in the system then open the nipple and pump around 5 time for each, topping up the master between wheels. Checked all unions for leaks and found nothing, and very little air seems to be coming out on each cylinder (if any at all).
Am I doing something obviously wrong here? Bled brake on other Minors over the years and never had problems like this!
Cheers

Re: Brake bleeding problems

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 2:21 pm
by les
All I can suggest is to check the shoes are adjusted up close to the drums and start the bleeding from the wheel furthest away from the master cylinder.

Re: Brake bleeding problems

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 2:53 pm
by rayofleamington
What other work has been done
E.g. cylinders replaced?

The rear cylinders need to be primed if replaced as the rear bleed nipples only bleed the pipe upstream of the cylinder. Sometimes not needed to prime but sometimes will give your symptoms.
Back off brake adjusters and take drum off. Press pedal until piston has moved onto the handbrake lever. Wait for it to return and repeat. Refit drum and readjust shoes until they are tight.
Then bleed out from the nipple.