Question: Brake Fluid Bleeding (Using the Gravity Method)

[Mitch]

I need to bleed my brakes on a '78 and I'm going to try the Gravity Method. Can anyone tell me the proper sequence, like should I begin with the front passenger side, then the front driver's side, etc. (counter-clockwise) one bleeder valve at a time in that order or how? Thanks.

 

[shark454]

Start with the wheel farthest from the reservior, RR. Then work towards the closest wheel, LF. ...or RR, LR, RF, and last LF. This insures you get all the old fluid out.

 

[Mitch]

Start with the wheel farthest from the reservior, RR. Then work towards the closest wheel, LF. ...or RR, LR, RF, and last LF. This insures you get all the old fluid out.

Thanks, Shark. I really appreciate that! I might bleed 'em tomorrow evening.

 

[JohnZ]

Better take a cot and pillow out there with you - gravity bleeding takes FOREVER, especially at the rear with the double bleeders on each side. The Motive Products power bleeder makes it a one-person ten-minute job, and produces a rock-hard pedal every time.

 

[GTR1999]

Use the Motive like John said, I used all methods and that is the best by far. Check your runout as well otherwise you'll get to know the bleeding process very well.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Use the Motive like John said, I used all methods and that is the best by far. Check your runout as well otherwise you'll get to know the bleeding process very well.

Actually....if total run out at the rear is more than about .010, just checking ain't gonna fix it. You'll be bleeding weekly.

The only solution there is to repair the problem causing the run out and....it's just as often a rear bearing problem as it is other causes of run out.

If you measure runout at the rotor, you need to remove the rotors and measure the rear bearing clearance.

You cannot fix a runout problem that is wholely or partially caused by rear bearings by "turning" the rotors.

 

[Mitch]

Better take a cot and pillow out there with you - gravity bleeding takes FOREVER, especially at the rear with the double bleeders on each side. The Motive Products power bleeder makes it a one-person ten-minute job, and produces a rock-hard pedal every time.

Well, JohnZ,
I didn't take the cot and pillow out there with me, but I did take full advantage of detailing the under-carriage between those LONGGG bleeds! Got all of the dark fluid out and there were bubbles on the passenger front. All in all it took about 5 hours! The brakes are great now! I did it the hard way but saved some dough

 

[Mitch]

Actually....if total run out at the rear is more than about .010, just checking ain't gonna fix it. You'll be bleeding weekly.

The only solution there is to repair the problem causing the run out and....it's just as often a rear bearing problem as it is other causes of run out.

If you measure runout at the rotor, you need to remove the rotors and measure the rear bearing clearance.

You cannot fix a runout problem that is wholely or partially caused by rear bearings by "turning" the rotors.

Hibby,
My moma always said that I was born with a high I.Q. And daddy always said that I didn't have enough sense to use it! He was probably right, God rest his soul. Anyway, you must really have a high I.Q. 'cause I'm still scratchin' ma head over what it was you was a'sayin'!

 

[6880 Mike]

...'cause I'm still scratchin' ma head over what it was you was a'sayin'!...

You will do well to listen to Hib and JohnZ; these gentlemen, among others, have fooled with these cars for a very long time and know what they're talking about.

 

[Mitch]

You will do well to listen to Hib and JohnZ; these gentlemen, among others, have fooled with these cars for a very long time and know what they're talking about.