Re: Brake Bleeding?

[Huw Powell <human@nh.ultranet.com>]

>     My brake fluid resevoir cap split on my '85 coupe GT.  As a result my
> braking is very poor even after replacing the cap.  Do I need to bleed the
> brakes, and if so how do I do it?

Well, I'm not sure how a busted cap would necessitate bleeding unless
the fluid ran low.  But anyway, it never hurts to bleed or better yet
flush your brake lines.  1st get a quart of DOT 4 brake fluid, some
brand you believe in (see oil thread).  I am partial to the one man
bleeder I picked up at Sears, you can make them but for $5 it was easier
to buy.

Get the car inside, and spray penetrating oil on the bleeder screws for
as long as you can wait.  Don't forget the clutch cylinder, I think you
have to do that as part of the sequence.  Assuming all the bleeder
screws work, remove the cap, top off the reservoir, hook up the bleeder
tool to each brake in order (follow your manual, usually RR - LR - RF -
LF - RR again, but I'm not sure where the clutch fits in), loosen the
bleeder screw about a half turn and at each unit pump the pedal until
the fluid runs clean.  You should also see no bubbles in the tools
hose.  Close the screw and move on.

I like to douse the bleeder screw in anti-seize to minimise rust and
breakage on next use.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.thebook.com/human-speakers

82 Audi Coupe; 85 Coupe GT
http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~human