Bleeding the brakes on a Daytona

First my usual disclaimer: I've X-posted this on Tom's site as well. Rebuilt the rear calipers on my Daytona (left, rear was sticky). Calipers replaced and centered. I use an electric vacuum pump to bleed the brakes and have done so successfully on many different cars for years. This time however, no brake fluid came from any bleed screw, on either caliper. In the front, I was able to bleed both calipers easily, as I usually do.

So, I decided to try the conventional "two man" pedal method. Despite my wife's reluctance to play mechanic, again, no fluid came from the bleed screws. Furthermore, cracking open a brake line on either side (there are two per side) yielded no fluid seen there either, despite furious pushing by my wife. Weirdly (at least to me) the pedal is rock hard.

Is there something about the brake system on this car that I'm missing? I thought that next I'd try cracking open the juncture of the rear line where it splits right and left. Open to all suggestions. thanx steve

 

The plumbing on them is very unusual but it has never stopped me from bleeding in a conventional manner. Is it possible line or lines were plugged to prevent fluid dripping while calipers were off? Or ports on calipers plugged to prevent ingress of debris? Since both circuits feed both calipers the source for each bleeder is different. No fluid from any?

No fluid, under any circumstances. Interestingly, now that I think of it, when I removed the calipers for rebuild, neither side dripped much brake fluid...I expected a torrent.

Id crack a line at the caliper and see if fluid comes out. If so it is something in the caliper. If no fluid move upstream. There is a proportioning valve for each rear wheel but they have never caused me any problem.

I did crack open the brake lines as they enter the calipers (probably didn't explain it well) and NO fluid. Can't imagine the proportioning valve on both sides would be a problem, simultaneously. Might have to look upstream. thanx, Brian. steve

 

Thanx again, Brian. s

 

Timo and Brian, I have owned this car for 4 1/2 years and have never overhauled the brakes, because they have operated just fine, to my foot. However, I have bled the system carefully. Twice. Most recently 2 years ago and it's always been easy. Something's clearly wrong, and relatively new here. steve

 

OK, the diagnosis is: (drum roll, please) 4 rear brake hoses are toast. Free flowing brake fluid before the hose, none after. Probably been that way for awhile! Onward, through the fog. thanx steve

 

Brian, can we go tête-à-tête here, for grins? Might be easier and cheaper than the hard lines, but not easier than a new master cylinder. I've already replaced the calipers. Maybe I'm doing something wrong here, but accessing those lines and their fittings is a squeeze (and not the fun kind), not sure it would be easier with the calipers off or not. arrggghhh. steve

 

Probably need to have you drive down to Houston and turn a wrench or two with me! thanx s

 

thanx for the advice. taking this into consideration. s