95 XLT 4x4 Brake Bleeding Question/Help

[marragtop]

I have to replace the steel brake line that goes across the rear axel on my 95 XLT. Is there any special way that the rear brakes need to be bled? I'm concerned about the RABS system and getting it right when I bleed it. There is no air in the system (yet..). Any/all responses are appreciated. Thanks..

 

[DeRocha]

The rear lines are a piece of cake.. You just want to get a quart of decent brake fluid and max out the reservoir. When you remove the line a small amount of air is introduced to the system, but this air will stay close to the point where the line was disconnected (due to the brake fluid already in the line)... You'd run into trouble when the Master cylinder ran dry and air got trapped way up there... Anyway I would bend the hardline to fit (as best as you can) before removing the old line. Whe you do remove a line the brake fluid will begin slowly dripping out... I usually insert a rubber cone wedge into the line (looks like a mini golf tee), but if you don't you can just work relatively fast and get the job done...Just keep checking the fluid level and you should be fine..

 

[marragtop]

Thanks for the quick response. I've cracked loose both ends of the metal line where they go to the flex lines. I have one caliper bleeder loose, but the other one won't crack loose yet (still soaking with PB). If I can't get it loose, can I bleed the air out of the new metal line at the fittings where it goes into the flex line, or where the flex line goes into the caliper?

 

[DeRocha]

You need to bleed the brakes at the caliper bleeders as this is where the trapped air will be forced out of. I usually will use a socket instead of a wrench for added leverage... BTW it is very common for mechanics to use vice grips to muscle off mangled bleeder valves. Vice grips work great at removing mangled valves, but the pair I have (pic below) grips the valve or bolt on the corners and allows you to muscle it off and still be able to reuse the bleeder. Auto parts store will carry a wide assortment of replacement bleeders valves so don't be overy worried if you have to mangle a bleeder to get if off...