The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1954 Chevy Truck - Bleeding the Brakes

Hi out there,

Another question from a first-time, older truck owner that is just feeling his way around a truck.

I need to bleed my brakes and need a few pointers as to how I start. What is the best way to do this? Is there a special kit I need to buy or can I do this using wrenches and a bottle?

I appreciate any insight.

Carlos

You didn't say why you need to bleed the brakes, but air in the lines is the usual reason that needs to be done. If you don't know how air got on there I would look for that first.
If you feel like buying a vacuum pump you could use that method for bleeding the brakes. It just sucks the brake fluid out and instructions for using it would come with it.

The old way of bleeding brakes requires two people, one to pump up the brakes and the other to open the bleeder screw on the wheel cylinders.
I usually attach a clear plastic line to the bleeder screw which lets you see the fluid coming out plus lets you run the fluid into a can which helps from making a mess.
First make sure all bleeder screws will open, then fill the master cyl with fluid.
The guy in the truck pumps the brakes, 3 or 4 good pumps and then holds pressure on the pedal. Yells to the guy under the truck, "I'm holding"
Then the guy under the truck opens a bleeder screw for a short time to let some fluid out.
When he has the bleeder screw closed he yells to the guy in the truck "Closed"
The guy in the truck can not let pressure off the pedal until he hears that the line has been closed.
Once the line is closed the guy in the truck can pump up the brakes again and repeat the procedure again.
Do that at each wheel and the brake pedal should start to get harder.
If it still feels spongy repeat the whole procedure again till all of the air is bled from the lines. Check the master cyl to make sure it does not run out of fluid.
Don't be surprised if the person in the truck doing the pumping has a tired leg when you get done.
I hope this helps you "get r done"

Dan

Thanks Glasman.

I bought the truck as a project in July. Getting ready to drop a new, working engine in it this week (old one was seized and had water in the block). I figure once I get it to run I need to make it stop.

I pushed down on the brake pedal and it went straight to the floor. I popped open the MC and added brake fluid. When I pushed down on the pedal again I saw the fluid "bubble" a bit and the brakes started to feel less spongy. I went back a week later and the brakes went back to the floor.

Does it sound like I need a new MC too, or should I try bleeding first and see what happens?

Thanks for helping a Newbie

Yes, brake fluid is cheap. Bleed the system and look for leaks along the lines and at the master cylinder and wheel cylinders.

If you are going to keep the truck and want some brake tools:

This simple one-person bleeder kit is a good start. (I use this one on my trucks that do not pressure bleeding)

A step up would be this bleeder kit or this bleeder kit .

These tools are now on sale in the stores (for adjusting the brakes).

This set of adjusting tools is also sometimes on sale.

Eventually, you'll have to adjust the brakes. If the truck has been sitting for a long while, do not be surprised if you have to pull each wheel/drum and check out (and lubricate and maybe replace) other brake adjustment parts.

If your brakes are old and unused for a few years, don't use a vacuum bleeder. Use the old-school method to bleed the brakes. If there is a leak or a bad cylinder, the vacuum bleeder will suck air into the system. This is a "Bad Thing". You'll think you are done, the go to press the pedal and... right to the floor. Using the pedal-pressure method you may see the leaks or see fluid drain down the backing plates (indicating a bad cylinder).
Good luck and have fun!

Just a reminder that a properly working and adjusted emergency brake is the most important safety equipment on your truck. Always nice to know that if you burst a line or wheel cylinder, and lose all pedal braking, that hand brake is there for you.

Good luck on the bleeding, AND the new engine. Sounds exciting!

-Michael

fyi, my local flaps had bleeder screws called "speedy bleeders". basicaly a one-way valve. essentialy it lets one person bleed the brakes if you are short handed.
you open the bleeder, you get in the cab press the pedal a few times, get out and re tighten the bleeder and move onto the next wheel. the small valve keeps air from entering the system when you release the pedal.

it worked well for me.

Thanks monkey wrench for the Speed Bleeders suggestion... Just what I need... They can also be found at Napa