After replacing the calipers on my car and bled the brakes by hand, the brake pedal went to the floor?

DAVENOOB

MEMBER
2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

So, I changed the calipers on my car and bled the brakes by hand. One person pumping brake while I loosen and tighten the bleeder valve. After I did this pedal went to the floor. I started front tire brake reservoir side then next front then rear on res side than last farthest from res. Is it possible a big air bubble is trapped in there and I need to really pump even once fluid comes out? Thanks, please let me know if I need to explain better.

8 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

When you bleed brakes, start at the wheel furthest away from the brake reservoir (right rear). Then go left rear, right front, and then left front (closest to the reservoir).

Here is a link that explains how:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-bleed-or-flush-a-car-brake-system

Keep in mind, if the brake pedal goes to the floor, the master cylinder may have been damaged. Over time, corrosion accumulates in the plunger bore. In the area that the pedal travels, it stays clean. If the pedal goes to the floor, it can damage the plunger because of the corrosion in the area not normally traveled by the plungers.

Try the bleed I mentioned below. Also, let me know if you get any brake pedal if you pump the brakes a few times.

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 AT 2:58 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

Sorry for the delay. No, the air won't cause that to happen. It could be a few things. Here is what I need you to try.

Have a helper pump the brake so the affected caliper won't release. Then, open the bleeder to see if the caliper releases. If it does, replace the rubber brake hose on that caliper. If it still doesn't release, either the caliper piston is stuck or the slide pins or brake pads are stuck. Try that and let me know the results. Once I know what you find, I can further direct you.

Take care,

joe

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Thursday, October 31st, 2024 AT 6:27 PM

DAVENOOB

MEMBER
170 POSTS

Cool thanks I just changed the calipers so maybe not that, but I will check the pins as I have the lube for them. The hose that goes from the caliper to the metal brake line, right?

Also, I don't get the first sentence. If I release the bleeder that should make the piston pull back? So, have a helper push the brake down and when it's all the way down then release the bleeder and the piston is supposed to retract right? Also lube up the pins. The rubber hose doesn't come with the caliper that might be good to replace anyways. Thanks again. I will hit you up if I have any more questions and let you know if it worked.

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Thursday, October 31st, 2024 AT 10:29 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

If the rubber hose is preventing the return of brake fluid to the master cylinder, opening the bleeder will allow the brake to release. Basically, you are providing a different route for the fluid to release. If it doesn't release, then it could be one of the other things I mentioned.

Let me know. Hang in there. We'll get it fixed.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, November 1st, 2024 AT 9:23 PM