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Disappointing Weekend - Air in brake lines [message #141482] Mon, 29 August 2011 07:48 Go to next message
Michael Leipold is currently offline  Michael Leipold   United States
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Location: Greensboro NC
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I can not get the air out of my brake lines.

So I am planning on driving from NC to CA Wednesday and the only thing I have left to really do is bleed the brakes.
I put a new master cylinder on it and have no issues with the fronts, but the rears just keep blowing bubbles.
I have installed speed bleeders into the wheel cylinders, but every time I think I have all the air out, more comes out.

Things I did get done this weekend:
New KYB shocks all around, the old ones were labelled Delco and had zero rebound.
Replaced the carpeting with tiled paneling from the entry door to the top of the steps. Added insulation underneath.
Installed a Firestone air compressor and 15L air tank.
Installed Xantrex Inverter/Converter and additional breaker box.
Installed an electronic safe in one of the cabinets.

Things I did since purchasing:
Repaired leaky fresh water tank.
Replaced both mufflers with Dynomax Super Turbos.
Installed engine compartment side vents.
Built battery tray for drivers side.
Built larger battery tray for passenger side.
Moved house batteries to drivers side.
Replaced upper seal in steering gear box.
Installed air suspension seats.
Patched holes in roof.
Replaced external transmission cooler and added external filter.
Relocated external fuel filter closer to tanks (was up front).
Installed H4 Headlight Assemblies and Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Bulbs.
Installed fresh air vent for driver. (Thanks JR)

I probably did more, just can not remember it at the moment.

So for the brakes, I did not use a tool on the proportioning valve, could that be my issue?
Or could I have a bad master cylinder?



1973 GMC 26' Glacier - Unknown Mileage - Has a new switch pitch transmission with Powerdrive Smile

[Updated on: Mon, 29 August 2011 08:13]

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Re: Disappointing Weekend [message #141485 is a reply to message #141482] Mon, 29 August 2011 08:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kingd is currently offline  kingd   Canada
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I found when using even BRAND NEW speed bleeders, air was getting sucked passed the threads back into the system when the bleeders were loosened to allow bleeding. Going to regular bleeders and 2 person bleeding fixed problem. 2 person bleeding can also be used with the speed bleeders using the closed, down, open, closed, up process. Remember its a long way from the Master Cylinder to the rear wheels cylinders on a GMCMH. A power bleeder has been the solution for lots of people.

DAVE KING


DAVE KING lurker, wannabe Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Re: Disappointing Weekend [message #141486 is a reply to message #141482] Mon, 29 August 2011 08:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Michael Leipold is currently offline  Michael Leipold   United States
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We did the pump 3 times and hold, then open the speed bleeders, retighten and release.

The fluid is as clear coming out as it is going in.


1973 GMC 26' Glacier - Unknown Mileage - Has a new switch pitch transmission with Powerdrive Smile
Re: [GMCnet] Disappointing Weekend [message #141514 is a reply to message #141486] Mon, 29 August 2011 10:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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G'day,

I am starting to sound like a broken record!

By one of Jim Hupy's pressure bleeders and your brake bleeding and fluid flushing difficulties will DISAPPEAR!

http://bdub.net/jhupy/

Use ATE brake fluid:

ATE Super Blue Racing: Dry boiling point: 536°F Wet boiling point: 392°F

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/accessoryDetail.jsp?ID=21

ATE TYP 200: Dry boiling point: 536°F Wet boiling point: 392°F

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/accessoryDetail.jsp?ID=22

And flushing the system every other year will be child's play!

Disclaimer: I have no financial involvement with Jim Hupy or ATE brake fluid.

Regards,
Rob M.


-----Original Message-----
From: Michael

We did the pump 3 times and hold, then open the speed bleeders, retighten and release.

The fluid is as clear coming out as it is going in.


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Re: [GMCnet] Disappointing Weekend [message #141519 is a reply to message #141514] Mon, 29 August 2011 11:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Michael Leipold is currently offline  Michael Leipold   United States
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If I could get the brake bleeder by this evening, I would have ordered one already. I just do not have the time right now.

1973 GMC 26' Glacier - Unknown Mileage - Has a new switch pitch transmission with Powerdrive Smile
Re: Disappointing Weekend - Air in brake lines [message #141520 is a reply to message #141482] Mon, 29 August 2011 11:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
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from lots of forum reading. Brake bleeding problems are solved by 3 methods:

1. pressure bleeder(jim hupys or equivalent). I bought a motive one, because I was going to use it on other vehicles. but I would buy Jim's if I had a do-over. you fight sealing the plate on others.
2. proportioning valve needs replaced with brass ones(pressing button on valve solves nothing).
3. rare- master cylinder is bad, or hoses are bad.





Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: Disappointing Weekend - Air in brake lines [message #141521 is a reply to message #141520] Mon, 29 August 2011 11:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Michael Leipold is currently offline  Michael Leipold   United States
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I bought another master cylinder at lunch, will give it a go tonite.

1973 GMC 26' Glacier - Unknown Mileage - Has a new switch pitch transmission with Powerdrive Smile
Re: [GMCnet] Disappointing Weekend [message #141533 is a reply to message #141519] Mon, 29 August 2011 11:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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I have always had good luck with gravity bleed with the GMC..

takes a while, but gets rid of the air

gene



On Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 9:11 AM, Michael <lilmyk@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> If I could get the brake bleeder by this evening, I would have ordered one already.  I just do not have the time right now.
> _______________________________________________
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Re: Disappointing Weekend - Air in brake lines [message #141537 is a reply to message #141482] Mon, 29 August 2011 12:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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lilmyk wrote on Mon, 29 August 2011 07:48

I can not get the air out of my brake lines.

...
I have installed speed bleeders into the wheel cylinders, but every time I think I have all the air out, more comes out....

So for the brakes, I did not use a tool on the proportioning valve, could that be my issue?
Or could I have a bad master cylinder?
Check the connection where the rear brake line connects to the MC. IF THE MC IS GOOD, and those "speed bleeders" are ok (I don't even know what they are), the only possibility is a leak in the line somewhere. And the most likely place(s) for a leak in the line is where you have changed something. If you are getting air from both rear wheels, the leak is either BOTH speed bleeders, or somewhere between the MC and the proportinoning valve. If a line hasn't spontaneously sprung a leak, that leaves connections you have worked on. That points you at the connection at the MC, or the speed bleeders.
Re: Disappointing Weekend - Air in brake lines [message #141541 is a reply to message #141537] Mon, 29 August 2011 13:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Michael Leipold is currently offline  Michael Leipold   United States
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Speed Bleeders are brake bleeders with a check valve in them.
They replace your existing bleeder screws and will not let fluid flow back into them.

Good point about narrowing it down, yes, it is both sides and rear brakes only.
So I would assume connection of rear brake line to MC or the MC itself.

Thanks for the observation.


1973 GMC 26' Glacier - Unknown Mileage - Has a new switch pitch transmission with Powerdrive Smile
Re: Disappointing Weekend - Air in brake lines [message #141558 is a reply to message #141541] Mon, 29 August 2011 14:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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lilmyk wrote on Mon, 29 August 2011 13:14

Speed Bleeders are brake bleeders with a check valve in them.
They replace your existing bleeder screws and will not let fluid flow back into them.

Good point about narrowing it down, yes, it is both sides and rear brakes only.
So I would assume connection of rear brake line to MC or the MC itself.

Thanks for the observation.
When you get it fixed, let us know. I want to know if it is connections, the MC, or the bleeders.
Re: [GMCnet] Disappointing Weekend [message #141571 is a reply to message #141519] Mon, 29 August 2011 16:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Michael et al,

True, but if you order one now the next time you need to do maintenance work on your brakes and need to bleed them or want to flush
the system you'll have it and you won't have any more "Disappointing Weekends." Well at least none caused by brake bleeding
problems! ;-)

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael

If I could get the brake bleeder by this evening, I would have ordered one already. I just do not have the time right now.


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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: Disappointing Weekend - Air in brake lines [message #141573 is a reply to message #141482] Mon, 29 August 2011 17:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
chasingsummer is currently offline  chasingsummer   United States
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i have not tried on my gmc yet, but my old porsche which had the proportioning valve was a big pain to bleed,
get at bulp pump like you would see inline from gas tank to outboard motor. hook at bleeder and pump to pull vacuum. .
worked on the porsche, i would expect it to work on this too.


brian asheboro, nc 75 eleganza, 74 build 119k miles and counting, DOG HOUSE
Re: [GMCnet] Disappointing Weekend [message #141575 is a reply to message #141533] Mon, 29 August 2011 17:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Gene,

No GMC experience but on other vehicles it sure does take some time!

RANT ON!

I am on a crusade to get GMC owners to flush their brake fluid regularly.

Last May at Bean Station I asked people if they flushed their brake systems regularly and got almost no positive responses.

While I have no evidence in hand I'll bet dollars to donuts a significant number of failed master cylinders, wheel cylinders, brake
calipers, etc. are caused by water in the fluid rusting the bores which in turn tears up the seals and causes leaks.

The first year Helen and I toured the USA in Double Trouble the master cylinder in Double Trouble failed. It has a P-30 type M/C and
when I checked to see what the problem was I noted fluid running down the front of the booster indicating that the "rear" seal had
failed. We wound up changing it in a motel parking lot and bleeding it was no fun!

For a one time expenditure of $75 plus shipping GMC owners can buy one of Jim's pressure bleeders and it makes a job that is a PITA
simple!

Sure you can buy a cheapie pressure bleeder for $60 or so on eBay but I'll bet you'll have problems with the plastic cover leaking.
The thick aluminum plate that Jim uses DOES not flex and allow fluid to leak out at the top of the master cylinder when bleeding the
brakes. Plus it fits both the GMC OEM M/C and the P-30 M/C.

I find it fascinating that guys will spend thousands of dollars to upgrade to disk brakes, reaction arm systems etc but hesitate to
spend $75 to maintain that expenditure!

RANT OFF!

Regards,
Rob

-----Original Message-----
From: gene Fisher

I have always had good luck with gravity bleed with the GMC.

takes a while, but gets rid of the air

gene

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Re: Disappointing Weekend - Air in brake lines [message #141582 is a reply to message #141482] Mon, 29 August 2011 17:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
fred v is currently offline  fred v   United States
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lilmyk wrote on Mon, 29 August 2011 07:48

I can not get the air out of my brake lines.

So I am planning on driving from NC to CA Wednesday and the only thing I have left to really do is bleed the brakes.
I put a new master cylinder on it and have no issues with the fronts, but the rears just keep blowing bubbles.
I have installed speed bleeders into the wheel cylinders, but every time I think I have all the air out, more comes out.



i had the same problem even using a pressure bleeder. mine was the right side center wheel that kept showing bubbles. never could get a solid flow. i finally figured air was entering at the bleed valve somehow.

i believe the main problem is at the proportioning valve where the tubes form an upward loop. a big bubble can collect there an it requires fast flow to push it out.

my brakes never felt great until i replaced the MC. it crapped out again and after installing and bleeding again i finally got all the air out and have great brakes now.

stay after it and you will finally succeed.



Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
Re: [GMCnet] Disappointing Weekend [message #141583 is a reply to message #141575] Mon, 29 August 2011 17:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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A concept I have been pushing for 10 years
here
http://gmcmotorhome.info/brakes.html#press

and here
http://www.my-gmc.com/Speedi-Bleed-right-view.jpg

and here
http://gmcwsproducts.blogspot.com/2011/03/amazing-new-gmc-vendor-products.html

and
I even bought one from Jim,
http://gmcwsproducts.blogspot.com/2011/03/amazing-new-gmc-vendor-products.html

and
I have 2 GMCs with 6 wheel disk brakes , new master cyls, and
hydraulic brake locks,

and
I flush them every 2 years with gravity bleed and it costs me $10.00
for Ford High Temp.


as you say, the problem is not the bleeding
it is the bleeders !!!!

;>)
gene


>
> For a one time expenditure of $75 plus shipping GMC owners can buy one of Jim's pressure bleeders and it makes a job that is a PITA
> simple!
>


--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and -------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
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Re: [GMCnet] Disappointing Weekend [message #141594 is a reply to message #141583] Mon, 29 August 2011 19:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Gene,

Well now there's TWO of us on this crusade!

ATE is a bit more expensive than the Ford High Temp and I think the ATE specs are a bit better but it really doesn't make that much
difference.

The nice about the ATE fluid is the two different colors because you can tell the instant the old fluid is out as the color changes.

IIRC Larry Weidner told me about the ATE fluid.

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: gene Fisher

A concept I have been pushing for 10 years
here
http://gmcmotorhome.info/brakes.html#press

and here
http://www.my-gmc.com/Speedi-Bleed-right-view.jpg

and here
http://gmcwsproducts.blogspot.com/2011/03/amazing-new-gmc-vendor-products.html

and
I even bought one from Jim,
http://gmcwsproducts.blogspot.com/2011/03/amazing-new-gmc-vendor-products.html

and
I have 2 GMCs with 6 wheel disk brakes , new master cyls, and
hydraulic brake locks,

and
I flush them every 2 years with gravity bleed and it costs me $10.00
for Ford High Temp.


as you say, the problem is not the bleeding
it is the bleeders !!!!

;>)
gene


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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Disappointing Weekend [message #141646 is a reply to message #141575] Tue, 30 August 2011 06:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
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The ABS on my first Town & Country died at 140K miles.  Fortunately, since it was the first year of manufacture, Chrysler warrented the entire system for 100K miles, and the compressor and 'Hydraulic Control  Assembly' - read master cylinder - for the life of the van, owner not important.  So, cost me $300 and Chrysler $2800 to heal  it.  The tech told me, the ABS stuff dies on dirty or especially waterlogged fluid.  Since then, I flush the brakes every two to three years, when I do belts, hoses, and coolant.  Only thing I've done to any of my rides' brakes since is shoes/pads. 
 
--johnny


--- On Mon, 8/29/11, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:


From: Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Disappointing Weekend
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Monday, August 29, 2011, 10:16 PM


Gene,

No GMC experience but on other vehicles it sure does take some time!

RANT ON!

I am on a crusade to get GMC owners to flush their brake fluid regularly.

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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: Disappointing Weekend - Air in brake lines [message #141650 is a reply to message #141482] Tue, 30 August 2011 07:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Michael Leipold is currently offline  Michael Leipold   United States
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Ok, Ok, I will get a pressurized bleeder, I understand the benefits, I just did not have the time this go around.

I replaced the master cylinder last night, I went to NAPA, they have a new part number for the MC. It is a 1 1/4 bore.

Anyways, fronts, I love the fronts, no air at all.
Rears, well, they appear to be air free. With the engine off, the brakes are hard as rocks, with it running, the vacuum assist, in my opinion assists too much, but it feels the same as it did before I changed everything. Maybe I should have just left the old one on. I have not driven it yet, freak thunderstorm hit before I was able to get the front tires back on. I might go home at lunch and put them on and drive it back to work.

I read somewhere that it takes a few miles for the brakes to "feel" right, so here's to hoping.

As of right now, I am planning on heading to Cali tomorrow to get married next weekend. I will keep you all updated.

PS.. I filled 100 4oz mini mason jars with moonshine last night and my fiancee labeled them, we are giving them out as our wedding favors. Smile


1973 GMC 26' Glacier - Unknown Mileage - Has a new switch pitch transmission with Powerdrive Smile
Re: Disappointing Weekend - Air in brake lines [message #141663 is a reply to message #141482] Tue, 30 August 2011 08:55 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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Two pieces of advice for any and all owners that ever go anyplace that there is a corrosion issue.

1 - Put caps (available at any parts store) on all the bleeders and make sure that they are still there every time you are working near a wheel.

2 - Coat the threads of the bleed screws with teflon based pipe thread sealant (like Lockite 565) to prevent corrosion in the threads. You don't have to completely remove the screw to do this, just run it out three turns (or so) and coat the exposed threads with a finger tip coated with white stuff.

This was a reaction to having to regularly replace wheel cylinders because bleed screws either broke or the hex went round.

As I have been vacuum bleeding brakes for years, (this method does not require a special plate for each different master cylinder) the pipe thread sealant also helps with the air leak at the bleeder.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
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