Having problems changing brake fluid with a vacuum pump - 328 | FerrariChat
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Having problems changing brake fluid with a vacuum pump - 328

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by GTHill, Sep 1, 2007.

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  1. GTHill

    GTHill F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 1, 2006
    14,053
    Double Wide
    Full Name:
    GT Hill
    #1 GTHill, Sep 1, 2007
    I'm installing new discs and pads on my 328 and am changing the brake fluid in the process. I purchased a vacuum brake bleeder from Snap-on and am using it.

    I have the front-right caliper off of the car right now. I have attached the vacuum to the brake line. Here is the problem:

    I can pump it up to a decent vacuum and some fluid will come out, but sometimes not much. Sometimes there will be a decent amount fluid coming out, but it takes a lot of vacuum to get any fluid at all. I have the cap of the fluid container off so I thought it wouldn't take much at all to get the fluid out. Sometimes it will act as if there is no fluid in it at all (just air). I have been very conscious of keeping enough fluid in the master cylinder so that isn't the issue.

    I thought this would be a great way to change the brake fluid, but it doesn't seem to be working as I planned. Any thoughts? Thanks!

    Gene
     
  2. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 28, 2004
    1,809
    Pacific Northwest
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    Bill
    #2 BillyD, Sep 1, 2007
    I think u need to push brake pedal down about 1/2 way to open both in & out ports.
     
  3. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    #3 Steve King, Sep 1, 2007
    When I rebuilt my 308 calipers I also used a vacuum bleeder with not to good of success. I ended up having my wife do the pump/hold and then again. So I finally bought this things called "speedbleeders" and replaced all of my bleeder nipples. So you strt at the back right and then left and then front right , you go the picture. The cool thing is that you crack the bleeder a 1/4 turn and put the hose in a bottle. Then you get in and pump the brake a few times and get out and tighten the nipple. Then do the next until done. These speedbleeders have a check valve built in . It worked the 1st time I used them. So all of my cars now have them.
     
  4. bill308

    bill308 Formula 3
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    May 13, 2001
    1,224
    Windsor, CT
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    Bill Sebestyen
    #4 bill308, Sep 1, 2007
    I used a vacuum bleeder when I did my brakes a few years ago and had pretty good luck. I did get some air leaks around the bleed fitting threads but a little dab of grease around this joint cured this. In the end, I was successful in bleeding the brakes.

    Bill
     

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