Bleeding brakes

[19Kgvw]

And I'm still working on my brakes... . getting closer, quite for the night because of a question.



I'm using a power bleeder (easier than listening to the kids say how cold they are when they help me) and the manual says to hold the metering valve open with the special tool # what ever during bleeding.

I know the combo valve is under the master cylnider and the metering valve will open with pressure, the small brass rod extends from the aft end of the larger valve body. I don't have the special tool and couldn't see any relieve in the rod that the tool would slip into to hold the valve out during bleeding. What gives?

How do you get the valve out? How far does the valve extend from the valve body and what have you used to hold the valve out?



Rich

 

[Paychk]

The small brass rod that is extending is the "hold off valve" and that must be held out (open) when power bleeding the front brakes. The FSM shows a U shaped clip that slips under / between the combo valve body and the head on the Hold off valve stem, the P/N is C-4121. If you see the valve extending when you step on the brakes, that is as far as it goes to open.



Big warning in the FSM not to push in on the valve stem, as damage will occur to the combo valve.



A small spring bent to grip under the head of the stem and some mechanics wire on the other end of the spring should be enough to hold it open. Tie the mechanics wire to something close by and in line with the stem.

 

[19Kgvw]

Paychk, when the rod was out, I felt the end for a notch or relieve to hook something into. I didn't feel to hook or attach to.



Rich



PS... have you ever tried to get one of the tools that the service manual calls out. The dealer refers to a third world country to "order" the part. Just a pet piv of mine!!!

 

[boatpuller]

Rich,

If you need someone to help bleed them the old fashion way I should be home all evening tomorrow. Saw this post after the P. M. s. Give me a call.



Caleb Reese

 

[Paychk]

The FSM shows the hold off valve stem as having a head, if yours dosen't, then gravity or pedal bleed are the only options left. Remember this valve only affects the front brakes, it has no effect on the rear brakes.

 

[19Kgvw]

update- brake bleeding

Boatpuller came over last night and we bleed them the old fasion way. I'll play with the power bleeder when I have more time. The pedal is firm and starts with good feel/pressure a couple inches into the stroke. I broke in the new kevlar pads as recommended by EGR (two fast stops from 50mph and let everything cool to touch) last night- ended up sitting along the highway till 1030 PM.

Overall impression of the EGR front brake equipment..... there is a crisper feel when braking. I think I can relate this to more pressure on the pad to rotor contact. With no load at this time, I'd say 30% improvement from stock OEM equip. I'll pull weight this weekend. Next- manual adjust rear drums and look for a difference. In June, hopefully plan to install the rear disk package.



Paychk-- I think the FSM is mis-leading. The FSM shows a button on the end of the combo valve but "on mine" the button is part of the valvebody and the valve stem that extends is smooth on the end.

Something to ponder, the valve stem came out the same amount with the power bleeder on as it did during the manual bleeding process. So... . is there any advantage to physically holding it open?



Boatpuller- thanks for the help last night... . I slept easier knowing to all the work was correctly done and that the truck is up to full service this weekend.



Rich

 

[Paychk]

The hold off valve closes with 3 - 135 PSI input, so maybe your pressure bleeder works at a pressure high enough to open it. I'm not sure, but at least it sounds like the old fasion way worked and the brakes are much improved.