I recently replaced some of my brake lines on my truck because they rotted away. I have the new line installed but i need to bleed my brakes. I know that you start from the farthest one from the master cylinder, but other than that I don't know what im doing. I have a vacume brake bleeder but I can't tell if it is working.

Thanks

 

I always put a piece of clear tubing that fits real tight over the bleeder and drop it into a clean bottle with a bit of new fluid in it (enough to submerge the end of the tube) and pump the brakes till there's no more air coming from the caliper/cylinder...

Close the bleeder then pull the tube off, done... Just make sure not to drain the reservoir...

Best way I've found to bleed the brakes by yourself... I've had trouble with the vacuum bleeders and don't use them anymore...

 

Since you have drained the majority of fluid from the system, bleed the master cylinder first, bench bleeding is easiest as long as you have a vise. After you install the master back in the system I would gravity feed all for bleeder ports which means open up all the bleeder valves and let fluid and air drip out (gravity) but don't let the master cylinder run low on fluid. P.M. me in the morning if you have never done this before and I'll walk you thru it.

 

Thanks. how far should I open up the bleeders?

 

Just loosen it enough to let stuff out. You'll feel it.

 

I always found it best to have someone work the brakes while I open the bleed valves with a hose attached to them like suggested previously. Before you ask your friend for help, make sure the bleed valves are loose and will open. (put some Permitex anti seize compound on the threads once you loosen them). Have your buddy pump the brakes until he gets some resistance then have him hold them by pushing down. You open the bleed valve about a quarter turn until brakes hit the floor then close bleed valve. Repeat the process a couple of times at each wheel before going to the next wheel. Make sure no pumping starts until you close the bleed valve. Repeat process on all four wheels. You may have to do it a second time because of all the air in the lines from taking out the old lines.

Also, I would suggest using DOT 4 brake fluid because it has anti rust chem in it. It cost a little more but I believe that it is worth it for the extra protection.

 

I like the gravity method when I can't get a friend to come over.

You could ask your wife to help step on the brake if you are looking to go to the "BIG D".
Never again!

 

and make sure you keep the master cylinder full while in this process.

 

Thanks for the responses. I was able to get it done with a friend of mine on Saturday. I found out that one of my connections was not fully tightened, so it was sucking air into the line. I tightened it up and first I used the gravity method and then the vacuum pump and now i have breaks that work!