Front calipers not working?

[Flying Toaster]

On my '74, I just replaced the following parts:
-brake pads on all 4 corners
-replaced rubber lines with stainless
-replaced all "hard" lines in front with new ones
-installed new master cylinder
-installed speed bleeders on all 4 corners

I bled the system using my pressure power bleeder with Super Blue, running the bleeder at 20psi. No leaks in the system. I get great flow from all 4 corners when bleeding the system. BUT, I still cannot get any pedal feel. It goes right to the floor with ease. I had someone help & do the 'ol pump & hold routine. The rear brakes seem to work well. The calipers lock right up & I can't rotate the disc. BOTH front calipers dont seem to be working though. I've tried bleeding the air from the master cylinder, nothing (just fluid), I cracked the 17mm bolt at the caliper, nothing but fluid. They just won't move! When I installed the new pads, I actually took the entire caliper off to replace wheel bearings at the same time.... The calipers moved right in as they should with the channel locks & I was able to install the new pads easily. I've also banged on the calipers with a mallet in hopes of freeing them up. ugh.

Any one have any ideas? I REALLY hope I dont need caliper$....

TIA - John

[Zeke]

It may take more fluid than you think is necessary. Each time I install new lines anywhere, I use some cheap fluid to purge the air out of the lines. Often, it takes neary a whole bottle before things start to work. After checking for leaks, etc. I resume bleeding with my favorite expensive fluid until the color changes at each corner following the usual sequence. So, all in all, including the sacraficial fluid, I'll use over a quart.

[bell]

if you had the front calipers off check that the bleeder it at the TOP of the caliper.......don't ask how i know this

i went through alot of fluid with my power bleeder.....1/2 gallon if i remember correctly

[Flying Toaster]

Originally posted by bell
if you had the front calipers off check that the bleeder it at the TOP of the caliper.......don't ask how i know this

You hit the nail on the head!
As soon as I read your message, common sense kicked in & I realized, I reinstalled my calipers in reverse order. Drivers side was on passenger side, etc..... I reversed the two this evening, filled up the power bleeder & was DONE in 2 minutes. Solid pedal. God I feel like an idiot, but I love the easy fixes that don't cost anything.

Thanks Brian. -John

[aigel]

There is a rule to brake work: One side at a time! Mixing up sides is impossible that way and you always have a template in case you forgot how things go back together.

But of course, ***** happens, my pal has done the same thing. He gave up and brought it to the shop! After they told him on the phone what he had done he went to pick the car up. He showed up with a paper bag over his head: "I am here to pick up Mr. Miller's car".

George