Bleeding Brakes

[JGC403]

Not an A-body but hopefully its close to an A-bodies front drum brakes or someone knows. I replaced the master cylinder on our 1965 New Yorker and started to bleed the brakes. Got the rear brakes bleed, then got to the front, the front bleed screw is at an angle to the drum brake backing plates and I couldn't turn it, the wrench was hitting the backing plate. Is there a special tool to do this or what?

 

[BillGrissom]

I have a 65 Newport w/ drum brakes. Should be the same as NYer. I don't recall a special tool. I used either a 1/4" socket wrench or "ignition wrench". The later are a set of open-ended and box wrenches from a Craftsman set. I rebuilt the brakes long ago, but recall honing the wheel cylinders so probably still factory parts.

I hope you first bled the MC by itself per instructions in most rebuild boxes. At each wheel, I use a Mighty Mite vacuum pump, but still need someone pushing the pedal since it sucks around the bleed threads. My wife hates my commands of "down-up" and having to confirm each position. Tough job sitting in the seat for 5 mins when she could be on Facebook.

 

[cudajim]

I have a 65 Newport w/ drum brakes. Should be the same as NYer. I don't recall a special tool. I used either a 1/4" socket wrench or "ignition wrench". The later are a set of open-ended and box wrenches from a Craftsman set. I rebuilt the brakes long ago, but recall honing the wheel cylinders so probably still factory parts.

I hope you first bled the MC by itself per instructions in most rebuild boxes. At each wheel, I use a Mighty Mite vacuum pump, but still need someone pushing the pedal since it sucks around the bleed threads. My wife hates my commands of "down-up" and having to confirm each position. Tough job sitting in the seat for 5 mins when she could be on Facebook.

Now I thought I was the only one who used the "wife" as a brake-bleeder. It seems that every time I have to bleed brakes she's the only one around. Since I have 6 cars she's getting really good at it. I also use her for occasional concrete jobs; there's a lot to be said for a sturdy wife!

 

[daliant]

There are wrenches that are specifically made for bleeding brakes, they look like box wrenches with about a 1 inch offset at the ends. I would try to break it free with a socket, then once its loose enough grab it with a pair of vice grips to open and close while bleeding.

 

[JGC403]

I did bleed the master cylinder first like the instructions said.

There are wrenches that are specifically made for bleeding brakes, they look like box wrenches with about a 1 inch offset at the ends. I would try to break it free with a socket, then once its loose enough grab it with a pair of vice grips to open and close while bleeding.

I'll see if I can get a set of those wrenches. Can't get a socket on it.


Also something else to add. When I opened the bleeder on the driverside rear brake nothing came out.

 

[2 Darts]

Good advice from all. Recommend giving the bleeder valves a shot of Kroil, have a nice snack, then try to loosen with an appropriate size deep well socket.

 

[daliant]

Also something else to add. When I opened the bleeder on the driverside rear brake nothing came out.

Pull the bleeder out and take a small drill bit and clean out the passages in it, probably has rust in it.