Stuck front calipers

[Whaling Stories]

If you can afford to throw another $60 at the problem, get a Motiv Power Bleeder. Hands down the best bleeding device I have ever used. I installed 2 new masters in the last year or so and didn't bench bleed either of them. Rebuilt calipers in both cases.

It looks like my problem was me being a complete idiot and not tightening the last bleeder screw enough. Too bad I had already brought it to the shop and of course I told the specifically to bleed and only bleed. I was in a rush so I didn't have them bother with a proper inspection. Lesson learned, I hope

[garageboy]

If you can afford to throw another $60 at the problem, get a Motiv Power Bleeder. Hands down the best bleeding device I have ever used. I installed 2 new masters in the last year or so and didn't bench bleed either of them. Rebuilt calipers in both cases.

It looks like my problem was me being a complete idiot and not tightening the last bleeder screw enough. Too bad I had already brought it to the shop and of course I told the specifically to bleed and only bleed. I was in a rush so I didn't have them bother with a proper inspection. Lesson learned, I hope

But wasn't the mechanic the last one to touch the four bleeder screws? What am I missing?

[Whaling Stories]

If you can afford to throw another $60 at the problem, get a Motiv Power Bleeder. Hands down the best bleeding device I have ever used. I installed 2 new masters in the last year or so and didn't bench bleed either of them. Rebuilt calipers in both cases.

It looks like my problem was me being a complete idiot and not tightening the last bleeder screw enough. Too bad I had already brought it to the shop and of course I told the specifically to bleed and only bleed. I was in a rush so I didn't have them bother with a proper inspection. Lesson learned, I hope

But wasn't the mechanic the last one to touch the four bleeder screws? What am I missing?

Ok another n00b comment. I thought there was a method of bleeding that is done from the reservoir but maybe i dreamed that...
I don't remember doing well in hydrodynamics in school...

In that case, he was definitely the last person to touch the bleeder screws. I'll give him a call and talk to him about it. I'd hate for something bad to brew between him and I because my best friend has been going to him for years and has always raved about him and never had an issue. But, business is business and I can't afford to take my car to someone who can't handle the task. Thanks, i'll post a follow up manana - gotta go to work

[garageboy]

Ok another n00b comment. I thought there was a method of bleeding that is done from the reservoir but maybe i dreamed that...
I don't remember doing well in hydrodynamics in school

Um, this is the single most troubling thing you have said thus far. By about a thousand.

Have you actually flushed the brakes? Do you know what this means? Can you describe the process you used to flush *and* bleed the brakes one more time, preferably before you touch this car again?

[Whaling Stories]

Ok another n00b comment. I thought there was a method of bleeding that is done from the reservoir but maybe i dreamed that...
I don't remember doing well in hydrodynamics in school

Um, this is the single most troubling thing you have said thus far. By about a thousand.

Have you actually flushed the brakes? Do you know what this means? Can you describe the process you used to flush *and* bleed the brakes one more time, preferably before you touch this car again?

Ok ok I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you. Here's how I bled the brakes.

1. Fill reservoir to above max line.

2. Starting with wheel furthest from MC connect the bleeder hose to the caliper bleeder screw.

3. Crack the bleeder screw open

4. Gently pump brake pedal (Bentley says at least 12 pumps for ABS car) checking to make sure there is no air visible in the bleeder hose and also that the reservoir level does not get too low as to empty the MC

5. When fluid in hose runs clear and bubble free, tighten bleeder screw and remove bleeder hose

6. Repeat for next 3 brakes making my way back towards
MC

7. Road test, check for leaks/loss of pressure

Is that cool? Did I miss anything?

[garageboy]

You must have reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally long arms.

When I do the two-person bleed, I am sure to tighten the bleeder screw almost at the end of the pump motion (downstroke, so to speak).

You did not flush, did you?

[Whaling Stories]

You must have reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally long arms.

When I do the two-person bleed, I am sure to tighten the bleeder screw almost at the end of the pump motion (downstroke, so to speak).

You did not flush, did you?

I always flush twice, once for the bulk and again for the remainder.

But in regards to the brakes, if bleeding until the fluid is clear and no longer brown does not count as a flush, then I suppose I didn't

Good to know about the downstroke technique. I'll do this with a friend or one of my dogs tomorrow and see how it goes. To flush should I put hoses on all the bleeder simultaneously and pump all the fluid out?

[Whaling Stories]

UPDATE:

well not really, because I had to go out of town for a few days and the car has been sitting. But here we go with another "wtf" moment in regards to my brakes. I went out to the garage to check the brakes and rebleed them myself using the tips given so far in this thread. I found a huge puddle under the car near the driver side wheel but pretty much directly underneath the PS reservoir. I wiped it up and it had a hint of pink but not quite as dark or thick i would have expected for full blown ATF. Opening the reservoir and pumping the brake to discharge the bomb revealed my ATF to be extremely bubbly, almost frothy. I'm guessing a have a bad leak but I can't seem to see any culprit spots, or at least a spot large enough to dump such a huge puddle onto the ground. I'm going to search the forum ASAP but i'd like to get a head start here by asking you folks first. What could cause the ATF to get so frothy?

and that's not all! there was another puddle of liquid inside the car right under the brake pedal!!! i reached up and felt the foam in the kick panel above the brake pedal and it was damp. The liquid doesnt really have a smell or color. Is there a way for brake fluid to get into the car? Or what other liquids could get in via the brake or pedal? Once again sorry I dont have time today to make a more comprehensive search but i could really use a head start on this from anyone who may have advice or come across a similar problem. I'll take a closer look under the kick panel tomorrow or the day after. Thanks everyone

[Whaling Stories]

In the immortal words of our generation's greatest philosopher: "shit...on my father's balls."

I finally got a chance to pull the kick panel and yep, I yanked the clutch hose to the brake reservoir off its nipple when I installed the MC. I'm an idiot and an ape. So I suppose that was causing my squishy brake. As tough as they are, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy these kinds of lessons, even if it reveals to the world that I'm an idiot.

I still, however, cannot figure out where my ATF is leaking. Further investigation pending

[JCS]

Whaling,

Leaking ATF could be your Brake booster.

I sell a DIY repair kit and also have a rebuild service, see my footer.

Best,