1997 Chevy Lumina No Brake pressure

CCJMT4

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
96,000 MILES

I just changed my front brakes and replaced the calipers and rotors. When I bleed the lines I let the brake fluid level in the reservoir drop really low by accident. I've added more fluid and have gotten all of the air out. However, the pedal goes to the floor and the brakes won't work.

5 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there

you either still have air in the system, or as a result of bleeding the brakes, the primary cup in the master cyl have been damaged due to corrosion in th lower part of the cylinder bore, and the master cyl is now by passing fluid.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 8:51 AM

CCJMT4

MEMBER
3 POSTS

How do you know if you have all of the air out? I have my father in law helping me. I'm pumping he brakes and he is bleeding it at the caliper. He says that he sees air bubbles come up ever so often in the reservior. However, to me it looked like fluid being squirted back in. How long should the bleeding process take. There is no air coming out at the caliper(s). The caliper piston will move slightly but not very much like there isn't enough pressure. Thanks

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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 10:35 AM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

Bleed the brakes into a clear glass jar and use a clear plastic hose on the bleeder, something like washer hose, you should be able to get this at any auto parts shop. Add a small amount of brake fluid into the jar, fit the hose over the bleeder, it must be a snug fit, place the free end into the fluid in the jar and open the bleeder, pump the pedal up and down slowly, making sure that the reservoir stays full, you will get some air first up as the hose clears, but after that, only air in the system will be seen (if any) you will see air as bubbles in the clear hose, keeping the free end in the fluid will stop air coming back up the line, when no air is seen, hold down the pedal and close the bleeder, move on to the next brake, if air is still visible the master cyl is drawing in air and should be replaced. Do not reuse old brake fluid you have bleed out.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 6:08 PM

CCJMT4

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3 POSTS

Someone told me that you have to have a special tool to bleed cars with anti lock brakes. They told me that's why I don't have pressure that the tool will help pressurize the line back to were it needs to be. Any truth?

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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 8:54 PM

MHPAUTOS