I used a good pressure bleeder pumped up to 20 psi (as per directions) and could not get fluid out of rear calipers unless I used the old push down the pedal method. And then it was difficult to get the pedal to the floor. By contrast, doing the same operation on the front calipers (using the pressure bleeder and not having to push the pedal to the floor) was very easy and efficient. Any ideas why this would be the case?
Brake bleeding issue
- Thread starter ES 1800
- Start date
Did you remove the bleed screws and stick a needle into the bleed screw hole in the caliper? Very likely its blocked.
Start there and worh back to the mastercylinder. Do you have Stainless lines yet?
Start there and worh back to the mastercylinder. Do you have Stainless lines yet?
Bill Riblett
(deceased)
- Messages
- 733
- Reaction score
- 10
If the rubber brake hoses are more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing them. They deteriorate on the inside and the fluid flow becomes restricted.
MMercury
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 481
- Reaction score
- 5
ES 1800 said:
Old hoses and crudded up bleeder screws are likely culprits. HOWEVER, the extreme effort required to get things dribbling suggests to me one or both rear calipers needs to be rebuilt or replaced. These are often overlooked and it is easy to drive the car and not even be aware that the rear calipers are practically non functional - until you really need them.
Don't waste any more time bleeding. Compress the pads/pistons to determine whether they are free or frozen. By doing so, you might free things up so they can again become functional. Alternatively, you will know you have a problem with the calipers. Sure, old hoses may cause similar problems, but if you can't compress the caliper pistons, then you can try removing the flexible brake hose. If you still can't compress the pistons, it matters little whether the hose is functioning properly or if the fluid passes through the bleeder screw/s.
You do not describe the overall condition of you brakes, e.g., the frequency of maintenance, including the last time things were replaced. Nor do you indicate parking your car smothered in silica gel next to the Blumax. Thus, given the E9's predisposition to embrace moisture, sight unseen, I would expect a dire need to up the brake bleeding routine.
Here's something to look at: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1011126,parttype,1704,partGroup,14
Be advised that the picture of the rear calipers on this site do not appear to be correct in that they do not appear to be wide enough to fit the rear vented rotors on 3.0CS's as opposed to the E3's solid rotors.
http://info.rockauto.com/Cardone/Detail3.htm?/19/19431-01.jpg :cry: So the price may be right for the wrong part! :roll:
gazzol
Well-Known Member
The deteriorated rubber hose is the most likely answer however before you buy new ones (unless you were going to anyway) try closing the bleed screws and undoing the metal pipe which goes INTO the rubber hose. If the pedal is easy to push its your rubber hoses if it's still stiff then you have a problem with the compensator valve which is located under the rear of the car between the section which makes up the diff mounting and the spare wheel well.
If you find that your problem was the hoses then I recommend that after you've replaced them remove the bleed screws completely and run some fluid through to flush out the bits or rubber which may be in the cylinders and will block the bleed screws when you try and bleed the brakes.
If you find that your problem was the hoses then I recommend that after you've replaced them remove the bleed screws completely and run some fluid through to flush out the bits or rubber which may be in the cylinders and will block the bleed screws when you try and bleed the brakes.
Sufficiency
Sufficient for what? Yes there are 6 flexible brake hoses on most stock E9's I have encountered. And yes, they are probably an improvement over the stock rubber hoses (as far as a stiffer pedal). Yet anything would be an improvement over old deteriorating hoses - if that is what your car sports. A chain being only as strong as its weakest link, if the calipers are as old as the hoses or vice versa, changing one is not a cure or a substitute for changing/repairing the other. To be clear, I am unfamiliar with the specific product to which you refer and it might be helpful if you included a link.
So-called stainless hoses are merely stainless clad plastic tube. They may seem indestructible because of the stainless steel moniker, but they are not immune from old age, breaks and kinks.
CsChuck14 said:
Sufficient for what? Yes there are 6 flexible brake hoses on most stock E9's I have encountered. And yes, they are probably an improvement over the stock rubber hoses (as far as a stiffer pedal). Yet anything would be an improvement over old deteriorating hoses - if that is what your car sports. A chain being only as strong as its weakest link, if the calipers are as old as the hoses or vice versa, changing one is not a cure or a substitute for changing/repairing the other. To be clear, I am unfamiliar with the specific product to which you refer and it might be helpful if you included a link.
So-called stainless hoses are merely stainless clad plastic tube. They may seem indestructible because of the stainless steel moniker, but they are not immune from old age, breaks and kinks.