Brakes do I have to bleed the entire system

Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 FORD RANGER
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • RWD
  • MANUAL
  • 186,000 MILES
I replace a brake line between the master cylinder and the left rear wheel (rear end) so I bled the system starting at the right rear wheel to left rear, to master cylinder but I did not bleed the right front and left front wheel do I have to bleed the whole system? When stopping sometime I have to hit the brake two or three times before I can stop. What do I need to do or check to fix this problem? How do I check a master cylinder on the the vehicle?
Friday, September 16th, 2016 AT 9:14 AM

17 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
You mean you replaced the line from the proportioning valve to rear. Yes, you have to bleed the entire system especially since you have to pump to get a good brake.
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Friday, September 16th, 2016 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
JOE1953
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  • 686 POSTS
The old line had a hole in it about half way between the proportioning valve and the rear so I replace from half way to rear. How do I check the master cylinder? Do I need a special tool to bleed the entire system?
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Friday, September 16th, 2016 AT 9:48 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Just the wrenches you used to bleed it and master cylinder normally have a spring clip that you move and open push rubbers back up and fill with whatever type is required normally DOT 3 it may say on the cap. You will need an assistant or you can rent a power bleeder from rent it shops and just bleed the system with no help it only takes air pressure.
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Friday, September 16th, 2016 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
JOE1953
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  • 686 POSTS
How can I check for a bad master cylinder? I did have a little brake pedal but now I don't
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Sunday, September 18th, 2016 AT 10:27 PM
Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 686 POSTS
I rent a bleeder from advance auto part store it a hand pump type tool how many time I have to pump it before I start bleeding the system? It can be use to check vaccum it have a gauge on it.
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Monday, September 19th, 2016 AT 7:35 PM
Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 686 POSTS
I rent a vaccum pump from advance auto part store it a hand pump type tool how many time I have to pump it before I start bleeding the system how do I use a hand vaccum pump?
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2016 AT 12:10 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Often a faulty master cylinder will show up as pedal creep, under light pedal pressure the pedal will slowly sink to the floor, as fluid by pass the internal seals, heavy pedal pressure causes more pressure on the seal and less by pass in noticed.
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2016 AT 1:59 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Put 20 psi in bleeder if you still have trouble I highly recommend you taking this to a professional and have him do it.
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2016 AT 6:16 AM
Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 686 POSTS
Where the reservoir connect to the master cylinder I can see fluid leaking around that seal when pressure is on the brake pedal how do I fix that do I have to buy a new master cylinder and reservoir?
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2016 AT 2:02 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
There are orings there not sure if they are sold separate or not you may need the whole master cylinder.
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+1
Tuesday, September 20th, 2016 AT 3:30 PM
Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 686 POSTS
I will try to find a reservoir how do I separated the reservoir from the master cylinder? It seem to be hard to remove.
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2016 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Look for screws or clips
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 AT 6:19 AM
Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 686 POSTS
I didn't see any screws or clips look like it is a press in.
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 AT 10:42 PM
Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 686 POSTS
I didn't see any screws or clips look like it is a press in do I need a special tool to remove the reservoir and press it back in.
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Thursday, September 22nd, 2016 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It's all one unit and replaced as such like I said in a previous reply.
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Friday, September 23rd, 2016 AT 5:52 AM
Tiny
JOE1953
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I bought a new master cylinder how do I bleed it?
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Friday, September 23rd, 2016 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Instructions should have come with it. Like I said before this is above your ability to do this type of thing and should seriously consider having a professional do this for you.
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Saturday, September 24th, 2016 AT 6:51 AM

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