trying to solve solve soft brake pedal since weekend

[Paisano]

I did a complete front disc brake overhaul this weekend. I have done this procedure before including bleeding the brakes.
I could not get any brake pedal pressure after multiple bleeding procedures.
I replaced the master cylinder yesterday too. And still zero brake pedal pressure. All the way to the floor.

I turned one of the caliper banjo bolts a couple more turns. Checked the connections again for leaks.
I use one-man speed bleeders. This morning I discovered the left front speed bleeder is slowly discharging fluid droplets in the closed valve position.
I also saw it pushing out a couple small air bubbles. So it looks like this speed bleeder is partially stuck in the open position.
The other speed bleeders are ok .

I also checked to make sure I didn't switch the caliper positions. I included a pic.
Is that caliper installed correctly with the bleeder in the right position ?

Is this one bad speed bleeder enough to cause a completely slack brake pedal?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I did a complete front disc brake overhaul this weekend. I have done this procedure before including bleeding the brakes.
I could not get any brake pedal pressure after multiple bleeding procedures.
I replaced the master cylinder yesterday too. And still zero brake pedal pressure. All the way to the floor.

I turned one of the caliper banjo bolts a couple more turns. Checked the connections again for leaks.
I use one-man speed bleeders. This morning I discovered the left front speed bleeder is slowly discharging fluid droplets in the closed valve position.
I also saw it pushing out a couple small air bubbles. So it looks like this speed bleeder is partially stuck in the open position.
The other speed bleeders are ok .

I also checked to make sure I didn't switch the caliper positions. I included a pic.
Is that caliper installed correctly with the bleeder in the right position ?

Is this one bad speed bleeder enough to cause a completely slack brake pedal?

View attachment 144712

Looks good from here. Bleeder should be in the highest position.
Not sure what to suggest otherwise.

 

[Curious Hound]

If the bleeder won't close completely, that will be a problem. Otherwise, like 'FlOoReD said, caliper and bleeder install look good in that picture.

 

[Paisano]

I'll do this next:

I'll replace the left front speed bleeder and try a different bleeding method.
I'm not crazy about the pedal pumping thing

What works better? Reverse bleed through the calipers?
Pressure bleeding? What brand pressure bleeder has a good reputation?

Will these other methods bleed the installed master cylinder also?

I may already be well on the way to solving the slack brake pedal.

 

[SenorNoob]

With a partner, I've always just had them pump and hold the pedal. Never had the need to it by myself yet though.

 

[Paisano]

Before I waste more time on bleeding, I am looking for the best way to bleed the installed master cylinder by myself. This is where I might need to by a kit or device.

 

[Curious Hound]

I've never had to bleed the master cylinder. I always bleed the slave cylinders at the calipers and drums and that has been good enough. I have a vacuum bleeder. But I have also done it my self by pumping the pedal. I have a piece of 2x4 cut to length that I can wedge between the pedal and the seat to hold it after I pump up the pressure. Then I go and crack the bleeder let it squirt in my eye. Fun job.

 

[Paisano]

I did a bench bleed once and I will never do it again. Disaster. Brake fluid squirting all over the place.
Last time I did exactly what Hound does. I bled entire system, including MC, through the speed bleeders.
No separate bleed procedure for the master cylinder. But it took longer for me without dedicated MC bleed.
Brake pedal not quite as firm too. But brakes stopped truck fine.

May I ask what brand vacuum bleeder Hound uses ?

And am I understanding correctly that Hound uses his vacuum bleeder to bleed each wheel separately......4 separate bleed procedures..? I'm just looking for a better way.

 

[RobbieD]

I've always bench-bled a new master before installing it. A cheap kit of plastic nipple fittings and short pieces of tubing to squirt the fluid back into the master's reservoirs, and it's actually quite painless.

I have a piece of 2x4 cut to length that I can wedge between the pedal and the seat to hold it after I pump up the pressure. Then I go and crack the bleeder let it squirt in my eye. Fun job.

I do something similar; I have one of those stoutly spring loaded clothes rods that you put in a doorway, and use it to press the brake pedal after I've pumped it. A piece of plywood on the seat back, and adjust the seat so that it fits just right.

 

[Curious Hound]

May I ask what brand vacuum bleeder Hound uses ?

Mightyvac - very nice product.

And am I understanding correctly that Hound uses his vacuum bleeder to bleed each wheel separately......4 separate bleed procedures..? I'm just looking for a better way.

Yes. It IS the better way. The mightyvac bleeder comes with a device that allows you to attach a bottle of fluid upside-down above the master cylinder to keep it full. I rig that up. Then I take the bleeder to the rear passenger side and start bleeding there. Always do the longest path first. Then driver side rear. Then passenger front. Then driver front. Always work longest to shortest if you're doing all of them. Easy. You don't need to look for a faster, easier way.

 

[Curious Hound]

Or, if I'm just doing one or 2 and too lazy to start the air compressor;

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I did a bench bleed once and I will never do it again. Disaster. Brake fluid squirting all over the place.
Last time I did exactly what Hound does. I bled entire system, including MC, through the speed bleeders.
No separate bleed procedure for the master cylinder. But it took longer for me without dedicated MC bleed.
Brake pedal not quite as firm too. But brakes stopped truck fine.

May I ask what brand vacuum bleeder Hound uses ?

And am I understanding correctly that Hound uses his vacuum bleeder to bleed each wheel separately......4 separate bleed procedures..? I'm just looking for a better way.

I got a little kit thing from the parts store when I bench bled my master, it worked great. It was actually kind of fun to do.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I use engine vacuum feeding a mason jar and from there another line going to each bleeder. I watch for color change. There is always tiny bubbles getting around the bleeder threads so I don't try to get perfect with no bubbles.

 

[Paisano]

Yes, I have a similar master cylinder bleeder kit also.
I have not tried it yet. Still in sealed package.

I have definitely heard of Mityvac. But I don't know if my compressor is enough for it:
8 gallon, 4.1 SCFM at 90 PSI

 

[Paisano]

That engine vacuum thing is interesting