Topic: I can't get the brakes to bleed. (Read 5356 times)

drewprof · « **on:** May 14, 2009, 02:47:35 PM »

I am using a power bleeder and no bubbles are coming out. Everything looks fine at the calipers when I bleed them. Once I press on the foot pedal it feels mushy.
Everything was fine until I replaced a caliper and a brake line. I had to use a longer brake line that was meant for the front to the rear because I got a rear caliper that was different from what I have. The inlet is lower that's why I had to make this adaptation.
I wouldn't think that this would play a role in the mushiness if the whole system is supposedly filled with fluid; I could be wrong but what's your take?
Oh, this is a 1989 560SEL.

GermanStar · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2009, 03:10:25 PM »

Brake hose/line length can't make any difference.

drewprof · « **Reply #2 on:** May 14, 2009, 03:11:30 PM »

I hope it's true, so what is it I am doing wrong?

GermanStar · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2009, 03:19:49 PM »

Dunno, never did brakes in my life, but with 20 ft. of brake line everywhere, another 3" can't possibly make a difference.

drewprof · « **Reply #4 on:** May 14, 2009, 03:27:56 PM »

I need some expertise, cause I never had a problem before and I have bled this car, the 190E , the Rx7, the Testa but not the 911, ....
The only time I had a problem before is when the two caps on the reservoir blew up.

SELLC · « **Reply #5 on:** May 18, 2009, 12:40:22 AM »

Frigg'n rookies in here I tell ya....

Air gets trapped in the ABS pump when you open the lines. If one had the ability to actuate the pump you may find more air. If you dont have this equipment just drive down a dirt road and slam on the brakes, sure enough you will hear the pump working. Bleed afterwars if you wish, but usually by the 4th or 5th skid the pedal comes back up.

Sometimes a weak brake hose can cause the pedal to feel like crap. Just look at the hose when you are pushing the brake. If it buldges up, well then its not the best quality and may need replacement.

drewprof · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2009, 07:56:59 AM »

I did, I did slam on the brakes that is! Nope, it ain't doing it, as matter of fact I tried to bleed it after I did that just in case there was air trapped but all I saw is clean and bubble free brake fluid. The only thing different in my set up is that I have a longer hose in one of the rear wheels because the new caliper in there was different than the original where it has an outlet way down versus having it at a higher level. I am however told by the vendor that it shouldn't matter; I trust their judgment, so I have to look somewhere else.

SELLC · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2009, 12:27:26 AM »

Thats odd.

I say "Pics or Ban!".

drewprof · « **Reply #8 on:** May 19, 2009, 09:57:13 AM »

Dude, the rear brake reservoir is full! Is there a bleeding outlet on the ABS unit itself?
I can't take pics until I empty the flash card full of pics that I took of me everyday waiting for the 190E to be fixed. Do you want to me to upload those?

SELLC · « **Reply #9 on:** May 21, 2009, 11:06:35 PM »

I already told you what to do with the 190E.

Tell me about this brake problem... HOW LOW IS THE PEDAL? If you were to drive it, will the brakes stop the vehicle? Is there a total loss of braking or just a crappy feeling pedal?

You didnt fill your brake resivor with Dot 3 Blinker fluid did you? That will do it every time.

drewprof · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2009, 09:10:06 AM »

The pedal travels at least a third of the way before feedback and brake action takes place. It started it out very mushy but after many attempt at purging and bleeding that's the best I can do right now.
As to the 190E I have a complete air plate with fuel distributor unit that's in perfect condition that I will be swapping today. If you're wrong you will need to upload a picture of yourself doing something stupid for it to be posted for eternity. Right now I am gearing up to eat a whole pizza before I start tearing the car up. I will be back this evening, be here or be square!

bensocat · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2009, 02:54:08 AM »

I do not know it.

drewprof · « **Reply #12 on:** May 24, 2009, 11:54:50 AM »

No more worries for now! The rear brake hose caliper just got chewed by the wheel axle

No bleeding is needed until I install the correct caliper and hose. Lucky no one got hurt. I just came back with my family after watching Terminator and decided to do the brakes over and to my dismay I discovered the damaged but I was relieved that nothing dramatic happened with the kids in tow.

willsr · « **Reply #13 on:** May 24, 2009, 08:25:07 PM »

Wow......................

drewprof · « **Reply #14 on:** May 28, 2009, 08:11:57 AM »

Thanks Ron for the parts, they worked perfectly!
I got it to bleed and the car now stops on a dime while the brake pedal feel is very much improved and feels very solid.

Digmenow · « **Reply #15 on:** May 28, 2009, 11:38:01 AM »

See? You're not a bad mechanic.

drewprof · « **Reply #16 on:** May 28, 2009, 06:44:50 PM »

Quote from: Digmenow on May 28, 2009, 11:38:01 AM

See? You're not a bad mechanic.

Let''s see how I handle the 190E. I got parts coming up for it, it will be intersting

Digmenow · « **Reply #17 on:** May 28, 2009, 07:40:01 PM »

Quote from: drewprof on May 28, 2009, 06:44:50 PM

Quote from: Digmenow on May 28, 2009, 11:38:01 AM
See? You're not a bad mechanic.
Let''s see how I handle the 190E. I got parts coming up for it, it will be intersting

Lets hope you're a better mechanic than a typist.

GermanStar · « **Reply #18 on:** May 28, 2009, 07:44:07 PM »

Is that a nit? Just looking for clarification.

Digmenow · « **Reply #19 on:** May 29, 2009, 06:42:26 AM »

Don't get me started on your customer service, mister.

"I'm sorry. While we do have that item in stock, unfortunately it is not available for the likes of YOU, buster. I suggest you search for THAT part at the brothers Pep."

News:

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