2000 Buick Lesabre brakes won't build pressure

2000 BUICK LESABRE
173,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JJZEV85
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  • 2 POSTS
Hello. I just replaced my rear brake line and rear calipers. I bled the system and it built up proper pressure, but when I turn the engine on it losses pressure. Just going up and down the driveway the car seems to stop OK but it still take a lot of work, as if the lines were not bled.
As a note, when removing the rear lines, I was attempting to heat a coupling with a torch and did accidentally catch some of the insulation on the firewall on fire. I put it out quickly. Upon inspecting the area it appeared the only damage was to a wire that I believe is for the ABS system. While I will get that replaced I don't see why it should adversely affect the normal performance of the brakes.
Is it possible the fire damaged something the brakes need to operate? I have bled the system from the rear before and have never had this issue.
Sep 7, 2010 at 8:31 PM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Go back and look at the calipers and tell me if the brake bleeders are on the top or the bottom of the calipers.
Sep 7, 2010 at 8:38 PM
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JJZEV85
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They are at the top of the calipers.
Sep 7, 2010 at 9:13 PM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
That tells us the calipers are on the correct side of the car. It sounds like you just still have air in the system. You will likely need a pressure bleeder to get it bled properly. You may even have to electronically bleed it internally with a scan tool.
Sep 7, 2010 at 9:16 PM
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