Classic/Antique Car Repair/Brake problem

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Expert: - 9/26/2010


Question
I recentlt installed an OEM master cylinder on my 1966 Chevy C20 truck. I went to bleed the brakes and can only get fluid out of the front brakes. I broke all the lines loose to the rear brakes and have no sign of fluid getting to the rear. The master is a single resovoir one line piece. I replaced the line going from the master to the tee block. Any help will be appreciated.

Answer
There are several probable causes. The bleeder screws may be plugged up with dirt and rust.   I have had to take bleeder screws out and clean out the passages with a small drill. If the bleeder screws are clean and still no fluid check the line from the "T" block to the rear wheels. Loosen the line from the "T" block to the rear wheels and check for fluid coming out when the brake is depressed. If you get fluid head for the next connection and recheck, checking all the way back to the wheel cylinders. The most probable cause is that the flex brake line from the frame to the rear axle may be coming apart internally and blocking the flow of fluid.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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