56 stepside,
You are right, if a wheel cylinder blew its piston out, you would see brake fluid cascading out of the backing plate area.
I wouldn't do anything until I adjusted all four wheels up dead tight, then back each of 6 clicks or so. Adjusting them up fully is critical, it centers them and gets everything on an even keel.
After you have done this, start your bleeding procedure at the wheel cylinder farthest from the master cylinder.
With two people, pump-pump-pump and hold, then crack the wheel cylinder. Don't allow the master cylinder to run dry.
Do each wheel until the big burps and bubbles stop coming out. I'll bet you have super hard pedal before you know it.
EDIT. IMHO, there is no need to bench bleed the master cylinder. Nothing happens on the bench that doesn't happen when it's bolted to the vehicle.
Stuart
Last edited by atomarc; 02/16/2009 2:26 AM.
