Bleeding the Master
Cylinder
I highly recommend this procedure after a master
cylinder installation or any time you accidentally suck air into the master
cylinder. If you
bleed your master cylinder you will minimize the amount of air you push through the brake
lines and ABS during normal bleeding. If you don't do this you may have a really tough time (and use lots of
brake fluid) getting the air out of the brake system--you may suffer a spongy brake pedal
for years!. This procedure is well worth $10 and a little time.
Bleeding the
Honda S2000 Master Cylinder and ABS
Bleeding
the Mazda 929 MC, notice the red plugs on the brake pipes to prevent leakage
I got my master cylinder bleeding kit at
Mechanics Auto Parts, HELP! part # 13999, Metric Master Cylinder Bleeder Kit, $9.49. The
kit consists of several plastic fittings and rubber hose. HELP! also sells an
assortment of rubber plugs that can be used to plug your disconnected brake
lines.
Disconnect the brake lines at the master cylinder
(for most cars) or at the ABS output (for the S2000). Put a rubber plug on the
disconnected brake line to prevent leakage and minimize the amount of air that
gets into the lines. Screw the correct size metric adapter from the Master
Cylinder Bleeder Kit into the exposed fitting. The S2000 takes a 10mm x 10.
Lubricate the part of the adapter that holds the hose with some brake
fluid--make sure the hose is completely secure, you don't want it to pop off
when you pump the brakes. Run the hose into the brake fluid reservoir and make
sure the hose is submerged in the fluid. I used the kit's gauge to hold the
lines in place (see photo above).
Smoothly pump the brake pedal once or twice and
check for any leaks. Then pump more until no bubbles come out of the hose in the
reservoir then pump some more. When finished reconnect the brake lines and be
careful not to cross-thread the brake line nuts. Pump the brake line a few times
and hold hard pressure for a while then check all connections for leaks.
You will need to bleed
your brake lines after bleeding the master cylinder.
Rob
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