2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Bleeding brakes unsuccessfully

[KRStone]

I've been trying to bleed the brakes on the 1996 2500.



Can't get rid of the spongy pedal.



Tried speedbleeders too.



Went out tonight and bought a Craftsman kit (9. 14005) Automotive Test and Brake Bleeding Kit ($85-ish).



The ridiculously short bleed screws don't have enough length to allow a little wrench on them and the rubber boot of the bleed kit. Ridiculous.



Rounded off a bleed screw... just about threw the wrench, the $80 kit, and the flashlight across the yard.



I'm really frustrated here. Not sure what to try to get the truck working again. I need it back in commission.



What's the deal guys, so many people seem to have no trouble bleeding brakes. I've never been able to do it. Tried several times in the past.



About to give into defeat.



Asking for help.



KRS

 

[jelag]

First... have you adjusted the drum brakes up mechanically first... if not... you need to do that first... turn the star adjuster until the shoe just starts to drag in the drum...

If you hold your foot on the pedal does the pedal slowly drift to the floor... if it does this there is a problem with the master cylinder and it needs to be changed. .

Now start with the longest line... passenger side rear... have the engine running and have them pump the pedal 2-3 times and hold it... slowly open the bleeder... if you need to get new ones... do that first... (bleed screws) open the bleed screw and when the pedal gets to the floor close it... if there are any signs of air, do it again... after 3 or 4 strokes add more fluid to the master cyl. . when there's no air go to the next one. . etc. .

 

[mwilson]

Does the truck have 4 wheel or 2 wheel ABS???



Is the brake control valve at the rear over the axle housing still conected???



Mike.

 

[KRStone]

4 wheel abs

I've read about a weight sensitive control by the rear axle that increases rear brake output based upon weight; however i have not seen a picture of one and i have not seen anything fitting that description on my truck.

 

[GAmes]

One thing to add to Jim's post. I alsways put a short piece of 2X4 under the brake pedal so that it will not depress all the way to the floor. It may be a wives tale, but I have heard that it will prevent the master cylinder from bottoming out which leads to a failure.

 

[mwilson]

4 wheel abs



I've read about a weight sensitive control by the rear axle that increases rear brake output based upon weight; however i have not seen a picture of one and i have not seen anything fitting that description on my truck.

If you do have 4 wheel ABS then you may have air trapped in the ABS unit.



Take the truck out to a SAFE location, dirt road or dirt parking lot preferably.

Make a couple of panic stops hard enough to make the ABS engage and cycle.

This will open the ports in that valve and allow any air in there to move out to the wheels.

If it is trapped air you will feel the pedal harden up and come back to it's normal height after one or two panic stops.



Then go back home and bleed the wheels once more.





If you don't want to try that then you will have to take it to the dealer who will then hook the DRB to it and make the ABS pump do the same thing that the panic stop does, open the internal valves.



Let me know...



Mike.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

One thing to add to Jim's post. I alsways put a short piece of 2X4 under the brake pedal so that it will not depress all the way to the floor. It may be a wives tale, but I have heard that it will prevent the master cylinder from bottoming out which leads to a failure.

Yep... You don't want to push the master cylinder piston beyond its normal range of travel. Over time you may have a buildup of gunk or corrosion in the unused part of the bore. You may chew up the piston seals or dislodge a bunch of gritty gunk causing internal leaks.

 

[mwilson]

I think that he just installed a new master cylinder, was mentioned in a previous post.



Mike.

 

[KRStone]

Roger that! New M/C

 

[ShannonHicks]

Did you Get your brake issues solved? I've been having the same problems for the last 6wks.

 

[KRStone]

I did. My bleed screw thread sealant was old and no longer sealing. Pulled the speedbleeders and coated the threads and bled again. Fixed. The poor thread seal was sucking air every time the pedal was released.

 

[ShannonHicks]

That was too easy. I'm glad you got through it!