[alfa] Brake bleed procedure

[alfacybersite <acs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

While I agree with a lot Gil Gagne had to say on the subject - do 
disagree with a few of his comments. I know many do pre-bleed the clutch 
/ brake MC, but I'm not one of them. I simply fill the reservoir once 
installed and it generally bleeds fine. I have loosened the lines from 
the MC's, especially the clutch one (after putting a bunch of paper 
towels around it) to let air out - but find it seldom necessary.

However, I always start bleeding the cylinders starting at the farthest 
bleed screw from the MC. In the case of the transaxle cars, I start with 
the far rear right bleed screw, then move to the inside one. Many do 
both sides at one time. I then go to the inside driver's side, outside, 
then onto the right front (passenger side) caliper, then end with the 
left front. It is rare I have to go around a second time for the brakes. 
Not unusual to redo it several times for the clutch.

Well aware there are a lot of varying methods regarding bleeding the 
hydraulic systems, so just throwing my method into the ring.

I will add there is seldom some one around to do the (my terms vary 
slightly from Gil's) "push" / "hold" bit. I get everything set up 
"underneath", crawl back out, push several times with my foot on the 
appropriate pedal, have correct sized stick and with pedal down, place 
the stick on pedal pad, then shove it into the seat cushion to hold it 
in place, tighten bleed screw, then do it all over again.

Yes, this old guy gets a workout doing it this way, and always dread the 
bleeding process.

Biba
Irwindale, CA USA
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided