Frustrating brake problem, help!

[csangster]

Okay,

I just installed a Warn Full float kit on my bronco.

The install requires detaching the rear brake lines from the brake cylinders and taking the entire backing plate with drum brake components off and setting it aside to put on the spindles.

Now everything went fine until I was hooking the brake lines back up and bleeding the system.

Keep in mind this entire axle is only 1-2 years old. I bought a 76 rear axle and replaced everything on it. Before the Warn upgrade the Bronco drove perfectly fine, no brake issues what so ever.

Like I said, everything was fine until I was bleeding the system. I started at the passenger rear drum, this one bled just fine, no air bubbles. Went to the driver rear drum and every time I hit the brake pedal, it looks okay until about half stroke and then a little bevy of bubbles runs through the bleed tube, as much as I bleed it, it never stops.

Two questions:

1) What the heck is going on? This brake cylinder should NOT be bad, I do not see any leaks anywhere.

2) What is the best apparatus used to bleed the brake system. I bought the el-cheapo Autozone plastic bottle on a magnet and plastic hose set up. Everytime I have bled the brakes on this rig for the past 3.5 years, I have had NO problems. NOW I do. I find it hard to believe that it is my bleeding aparatus, but I don't want to eliminate any options.

Please help me out where you can...

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Skuzzlebutt]

Has the master cyl run dry?
Other than that, the el-cheapo bleeding kit needing the hose replaced is the only other option I can see.
Or maybe the bleeder is too loose, allowing air in thru the theads.

 

[benkokes]

get the one with the check-valve

At Kragen, there is a 1-man bleeder kit that is a hose with a 1-way checkvalve at the end. DEFINATELY the way to go. AND make sure that ypur brake shoes are just barely dragging on the brakedrum as you turn it. The way I do it is put on the tire, and hand tighten a few lugs then spin the tire. you sholuld feel/hear slight rubbing (with the brake shoes aginst the drum) as you spin the tire. if not, and if it spins freely, you NEED to adjust the little star wheel to push the shoes out. This was 99% my problem when I thought I had air in my lines...

HTH,.
-Ben

 

[csangster]

Brakes

Has the master cyl run dry?
Other than that, the el-cheapo bleeding kit needing the hose replaced is the only other option I can see.
Or maybe the bleeder is too loose, allowing air in thru the theads.

Skuzzlebutt,

The M/C never ran dry. And the WARN kit came with these new speed bleeders that had thread sealant on them when installed.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[csangster]

brakes

At Kragen, there is a 1-man bleeder kit that is a hose with a 1-way checkvalve at the end. DEFINATELY the way to go. AND make sure that ypur brake shoes are just barely dragging on the brakedrum as you turn it. The way I do it is put on the tire, and hand tighten a few lugs then spin the tire. you sholuld feel/hear slight rubbing (with the brake shoes aginst the drum) as you spin the tire. if not, and if it spins freely, you NEED to adjust the little star wheel to push the shoes out. This was 99% my problem when I thought I had air in my lines...

HTH,.
-Ben

Ben,

What is the part number for this tool? Also, when I bleed the brakes the Bronco her tires on. And the shoes DO rub against the drums.

I'm wondering if my process is wrong. I believe that I need to bleed all 4 wheels. Is this true? or can I just bleed the rear? (it is a dual resevoir M/C)

Thanks,
Chris