Wednesday, March 14, 2012

PREPARED TO BLEED THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

I devoted two hours this evening to checking suspension, universal joint and hydraulic line connections.  The brake and clutch pedals have been installed, the clutch slave cylinder has been connected and the system is ready to be "bled".  "Bleeding" is a term that refers to the removal of air from a hydraulic system.  There are several techniques to accomplish this.  
I simply pour brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir.  Using the brake pedal, I pump it to an open bleeder valve at the wheel cylinder that is located furthermost from the master cylinder.  A vinyl hose is connected to the bleeder valve and empties into an open container of brake fluid.  Maintaining a sufficient level of fluid in the master cylinder as the pedal is pumped insures the removal of air from the system.  When the brake fluid discharging through the vinyl hose is free of air bubbles, close the bleeder valve while the brake pedal is depressed.  Now, relocate the vinyl hose and cup to the next closest wheel cylinder and repeat the process.  When all the wheel cylinders have been bled, the system should be free of air.  If, after a short period of time, the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor when depressed, there is still air in the system.  Do it again.
Repeat the process for the clutch system.  With only one outlet at the slave cylinder, the process should require only a few minutes.
If you have a better way...post a comment.  I'm always learning.

Tom McCurry