brake bleeding drum brakes- can't get to the bleeder valve

[Centex81]

I just installed a new brake servo and master cylinder on my 81 Rabbit. Went to start bleeding rear right as instructed by Bentley and cannot get a tool on the bleeder valve. It comes up at an angle from the dust shield between the two allen bolts that hold the wheel cyclinder. Any suggestions ?  Brakes are the only thing left to be done before getting it inspected and road legal. I'm desperate and ticked off. Been working on this project for months. Any advice will be appreciated.

[theman53]

It has been awhile but I had an 81 rabbit and did this on it, I don't know what trouble exactly is without seeing it. That being said, I used a deep socket maybe 8mm and broke it loose then used the wrench to bleed it. I also think that if you have trouble you need to bleed the lines at your master cylinder. Be prepared if the bleeder breaks to get a new wheel cylinder too :evil:

[Centex81]

Thanks for the reply. That's what I ended up doing. The 8mm deep socket needed to be tapped on because the hex on the bleeder valve was deformed from previous use. I was hesistent to do that because it didn't look like there was room for the socket to seat on the side of the fitting that is up against the backing plate, but there is just enough. Bled the master and all the wheels and took it for a test drive. Still a little spongy. Going to repeat.  Thinking about bleeding each line till I see fresh fluid coming out. Probably has never been totally changed out

[Snowyroads]

author=theman53 link=topic=14632.msg103712#msg103712 Be prepared if the bleeder breaks to get a new wheel cylinder too :evil:

I sheared off the bleeder screw but I haven't lost brake pressure. Can I just tap it and pull it out or do I need to pull the drum and brake cylinder?

[theman53]

You will probably end up needing a new wheel cylinder. That will require everything to come off and usually replacing the brakes and maybe wheel bearings while you are there.

[Dakotakid]

Seriously, get in the habit of replacing the wheel cylinder EACH time you do a brake job. They don't last nearly as long as they used to no matter if you are good about flushing brake or not. This past winter, I had two fairly new ones fail. I think it is a matter of rubberized products.

[RabbitJockey]

Seriously, get in the habit of replacing the wheel cylinder EACH time you do a brake job. They don't last nearly as long as they used to no matter if you are good about flushing brake or not. This past winter, I had two fairly new ones fail. I think it is a matter of rubberized products.

i got in the habit of doing this as well, they're cheap enough, and plenty easy to swap out.

[RabbitJockey]

author=theman53 link=topic=14632.msg103712#msg103712 Be prepared if the bleeder breaks to get a new wheel cylinder too :evil:

I sheared off the bleeder screw but I haven't lost brake pressure. Can I just tap it and pull it out or do I need to pull the drum and brake cylinder?

and for the 5 bucks a wheel cylinder costs u might as well just replace it.

[theman53]

author=theman53 link=topic=14632.msg103712#msg103712 Be prepared if the bleeder breaks to get a new wheel cylinder too :evil:

I sheared off the bleeder screw but I haven't lost brake pressure. Can I just tap it and pull it out or do I need to pull the drum and brake cylinder?

and for the 5 bucks a wheel cylinder costs u might as well just replace it.

Yeah, that is what I was going for. The cussing and beating you will have to endure for the 5.00 part probably isn't worth it unless you time is worth nothing.

And another tip: If you bleeder broke you may run into the same issue with the brake line. So, take everything off except your wheel cylinder, bust any tab off of it if you need to get it to spin, hold the nut on the line with vice grips locked hard, and turn the wheel cylinder off of the brake line. It can sometimes save you from twisting the brake line off as the nut won't spin on the line correctly.

[damac]

Wierd, I can't recall ever having trouble with getting regular tools on the wheel cylinders

They do sell goofy looking wrench sets just for bleeder valves.

Also if you happen to be messing with any other brake lines, especially older unions in the rear, they make special wrenches with a little slot in them so you can get a couple more sides of grip.   Spray those suckers down with some lube and don't dare try to crack them with regular wrenches.  I learned the hard way, they will round right off.

[Snowyroads]

The rear brake job was just done including all hardware and cylinder. But ill pull it apart again and see what I have.
Thanks

[Dakotakid]

Well then, quit hiring Hulk Hogan to tighten things down at the end of a brake job.
Seriously, there is a "cause and effect" in most things in life, duuude!