The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Just add Brake Fluid?

I took the first trip in the 53 to town to get inspected and new tags. I went to move it over the weekend and the brake pedal went almost to the floor. I looked down in the master cylinder and it was empty.

Do I have to bleed the lines or can I just add brake fluid? Does it take more than one person to bleed the lines? Do I put dot3 back in it or is there a different fluid I should use for a 53?

What is the procedure to bleed the lines? I have the shop manual, but the info on the forum is easier to follow.

Like I said: "If all else fails, read the instructions"

Mark

First, I would find out where all of that fluid went, otherwise it will just happen again. Check for any wetness leaking out of the brakes or master cylinder, or see if you blew a brake line somewhere. If you don't find anything suspicious try putting some fluid in. Next time have someone watching underneath for any brake fluid squirting out anywhere when you push the brake pedal.

If it went completely dry you will have to rebleed them.

Aaron

I would suggest pulling all the wheels and taking a good close look at the braking system. Peel back the dust cover rubbers on the wheel cylinders. If you see any fluid there, it is time to change them. Check the condition of the brake hoses as well, they should be flexible and free from cracks.. Regular brake fluid attracts moisture, the steel lines could be due to be changed if they have been in use for a long time..

I changed my truck to a dual master cylinder also. I like the appearance of a stock truck, but the master cylinder is under the floor so the conversion is out of sight..

Your truck most likely has DOT 3 in it, you should be safe in using it to refill the system. As mentioned earlier, if the master cylinder ran so low as to let air into the system, they will have to be bled.

If this is the same truck that you plan on putting the Patrick's 3:55 gears in, you had better switch priorities. Traveling in the left hand lane with an empty master cylinder is not what I call Happy Motoring.

Bill,

This is the same truck and I will agree on the fact that if it won't stop you can get killed and if it won't run you don't.

I am trying to go thru this truck and get it running and stopping good for now. Then in a couple of years take it down to frame and redo everything after I get my 46 (in pieces) back together.

I just put glass in doth doors and put back all new rubber and channels in the doors and vent windows. Adding some trim and rubber gaskets for now.

I figure on putting a dual master cylinder in on the frame off. I want to keep mine original looking and with the 6 cylinder - 3 on the tree.

Mark

I have to agree with the others. Check for leaks, most likely is a wheel cylinder. You can buy new cylinders at your mom & pop auto parts.

Bleeding procedure. You will need a new quart of DOT3 fluid, a clean funnel, a wrench to fit the bleed fitting, a piece of tube that fits snug over the ball on the bleed fitting, and a clear plastic bottle, I use a pop bottle, about 16 oz size.

Bleeding will be in this order: Right rear, left rear, right front, left front. You always go from the longest to the shortest run. You also need to have the brake drums installed.

Fill the master cylinder. Attach the hose to the bleeder valve, and stick the hose into the bottle. You will have to start with an inch or so of brake fluid in the bottle, and keep the hose end immersed. Have your lovely assistant push down on the brake pedal and hold it down. (sometimes 2 or 3 pumps are needed). With the pedal down, open the bleed valve, and when the fluid stops flowing close the valve with the pedal down. (Very important to keep from sucking air back into the system.) Repeat the pump and bleed until no more air bubbles blow out and the fluid is clean. Tighten the valve and move to the next wheel.

Be sure to keep fluid in the master cylinder or you will have to start all over again. (it helps if you can teach your lovely assistant how to check the fluid level and keep it filled. You will use most of the quart of fluid, and since the shelf life of opened brake fluid is terribly short, only keep the leftover fluid until your brakes are working properly.

Another pointer or two when working with brakes in not to contaminate the fluid. Don't use any oils or lubricants other than brake fluid. Keep the dirt out, and if you must clean something, use denatured alcohol. Flushing is accomplished by bleeding until clean fluid comes out the valve, which is also important. And you should adjust the brakes after you are through bleeding.

Everyone's right but you guys forgot the BEER
You can't bleed brakes without atleast a sixer!

Dangit Jim, it's a given. You can't work on your truck without beer, period. I was going to work on the truck tonight, and when i hit the fridge, the wife had drank all the beer! and she didn't even offer to work on the truck.

Hey Fred.....back...many years ago when I had a wife.
If she drank-up the beer I never had to look...cause she'd not even let me near the truck

I did get to use the Creeper sometime