DeTomaso Mailing List: February 2001, Message #161

Just a note I've learned regarding brake bleeding.  ONE, never just pump
away when bleeding the brakes.  Remember the object is to remove the air
from the system.    You should let gravity do most of the work for you.  Air
bubbles will move to the highest point before being trapped.  When the
system is opened, have a helper apply pressure to the brake pedal SLOWLY.
If you just pump away, every point in the system where the fluid undergoes a
change in pressure, (ie: through fittings, sharpbends, etc.), you run the
risk of cavitation.  This will allow air molecules in the fluid to be
released from suspension.  Since this almost always happens in between the
calipers and the resevior, the air bubbles will take a long time to reach
either end of the system.  You will see clear, unaereated fluid from the
caliper and assume that you've effectively purged the system.  Imagine your
surprise when you discover soon that somehow, miraculously, air bubbles have
again worked thier way to the calipers.  You will find that this happens at
the most inopportune time.  In my case, fifth lap of qualifying, trying to
put together a flyer lap, ending up in the run off tire barriers.

Steve R. Carvajal
SRC Racing
Pantera #5659




> A shameless plug for speed bleeders.  On a whim lat year I bought a bunch
of
> speedbleeders.  A set for the 911, pantera, honda and the TLR.  Never got
> around to installing them.  It is time for the yerarly inspection and when
I
> went over the car I noticed one of the rear calipers on the honda was
> frozen. So complete set of rotors pads and one calpier (of course as it
> turns out both were frozen).  I said gee maybe I should try those new
speed
> bleeders on the calipers and change the brake fluid.  Let me say they
rock.
> Just put my liitle hose over the end of the bleeder nipple and pumped away
> on the brake pedal.  Put more fluid in the resivor as it needed it.  made
> that job so easys.  Gonna install all the rest I bought as each car comes
> out of storage.  Love
> Landis
> #2672 (still missing it suspension)
>
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