Thread: Bleeding the Brakes

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I changed the master cylinder on my 54 Mercury today and I am quite proud of myself as there were no extra parts left over.

I pressed on the brakes and they got to a point were you can not press any more, but it also seems like I am not really getting any pressure.

I know I have to bleed the brakes, but have no idea where to begin. Please help me...

I only have a little time left before my vacation is over and I want to get the car on the road before it work, work, work....

Ok well you say you changed the master cylinder right? First thing you need to bench bleed the master cylinder. Then you need to bleed the brakes by starting from the farthest point of the mc which is the right rear brake.
Looks like you skipped the bench bleeding part. If not then let us know that too.

Oh also make sure your rod from the mc to the brake pedal is set right. I can't remember exactly how much freeplay you should have but I think it's 1/4 of an inch if I remember correctly.

Hi guys; HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just bled the brakes on my 54 Merc today and I made sure there was no air just brake fluid coming out. I took it for a test run and it just brakes like on the spot ....to a screeching halt...what did I do wrong???

Are you saying that the brakes lock up no matter how lightly you apply the brake pedal?

YES!

Proportioning Valve not set right? Make sure the hoses aren't kinked up?

Chances are that there is oil or grease on the linings, possibly from a leaky wheel cylinder. Disassemble 'em down to the backing plates, clean everything and replace the shoes and cylinders.

Thanks Denny, I appreciate you being here to tidy up behind me. Blame it on my advanced age

Denny;
Thank you so much...that is exactly what's happening. Thank you....How do I fix it???

Brakes are mechanical,
2. Did you have the wheels, and drums off? ...No
3. Or just replaced the master cylinder, and bleed the system? ...Yes
4. Did you notice if the rod was adjustable when you pulled the master cylinder off? ...a solid rod
5. Did the master fit right up to the mounting area, or did it seem to need to be pushed up while tightening it? ...fit right in
6. Have you checked to see if any of the wheels inside look wet, or possibly leaking fluid ?... Dry as hell, no leaks

This thing is gonna kill me and I am putting up a fight....I will not let it take me down....

When I press the brakes I literary have to push it all the way to the floor to get anything and then it just stops or locks up and sounds like I am going so fast I could barely stop...Please help me!

Did you bench bleed the master cylinder?

Okay, Tomorrow I will check the brake shoe adjustment and let you know. Thank you..P.S. I didn't double check and I didn't bench bleed the master cylinder. I had my daughter as the assitant and she was more intrested in doing the inside than dealing with the brakes. Wish me luck!!! Thank you again XOXOXOXO!!!!!!!!!

You need to bench bleed the master cylinder to remove the air, otherwise you're going in circles.

Originally posted by FMXhellraiser
Oh also make sure your rod from the mc to the brake pedal is set right. I can't remember exactly how much freeplay you should have but I think it's 1/4 of an inch if I remember correctly.

Just like I said. Guess Denny already added this again in better detail...