Speed bleeder, no fluid at one caliper

[Christien]

I've replaced all my flexible brake lines and am now refilling the system with brake fluid. I poured a bottle of cheap stuff in to fill the reservoir and then hooked up the Motive power bleeder with superblue. I've got speedbleeders on all 4 calipers. I started in the correct order, and the first 3 went fine, just like you'd expect, but now I'm at the front right, and when I open the bleeder valve, nothing comes out. I've got about 18psi on the motive (says not to exceed 20) and I pumped the brake pedal a few times (with the valve open) still nothing. This is true for both the nipples on the caliper (aluminum S calipers up front). So I started to remove the new hose in case that was clogged. Just as I cracked it open brake fluid came spewing out - ok, so there's pressure there. I then (very slowly and carefully!) started pulling the speed bleeder valve all the way out. After getting it maybe 3/4 of the way out, I've got brake fluid pouring out around the threads of the valve. Ok, so I've got pressure inside the caliper. So is it more likely that I've got 2 clogged bleeder valves on the same caliper or that I'm not getting enough pressure to the caliper?

The speed bleeders are all brand new - only one bleed on them so far, so I'm doubting that the valves are clogged, and what are the chances they'd both clog at the same time?

If there's insufficient pressure getting to the caliper, what do I do about that?

Thanks.

[john70t]

I had problems with some new speedbleeders as well(couple were stuck closed and one leaked) and just put the old ones back in.
It's possible one of the brake hoses went bad and is clogged internally with rubber, but I'm not sure how common that is.

[Christien]

Well, it was definitely the speed bleeders. Must have been a bum run or something (the pair were in a package together). I put the old bleeders back in, pressurised the Motive and voila, they bleed perfectly, and I've now got proper pressure on the brake pedal.

My first ever successful brake bleed? I'm going to go around and do them all again (3rd time around) and then put the wheels on and take her for a test spin. Wish me luck...!

[rick-l]

Why would you install speed bleeders if you have a power bleeder?

[Pete000]

I am using Speed Bleeders and have had good luck with them. I did notice that power bleeders sometimes can't provide quite the pressure as the old push of the brake pedal. Speed bleeders might need more pressure too. IMHO

[Christien]

What Pete said. That, and the speed bleeders were on there before I bought the power bleeder.

So after getting it all back together and going for a test drive, results are okay. I've got plenty of braking power, but I think it could be better. I'd say it's more than fine for street driving, but I want more stiffness for the track, so I'll bleed it again when I get time next week or so.

I'll try replacing the dud speed bleeders in the front left caliper. There was no pulling on the steering under heavy braking during my test drive, so I'm assuming I'm getting even pressure to both front calipers.

[911pcars]

I use atmospheric pressure (14.7 psi at sea level). With the bleeder screw open, the BF should flow out with any air. Connect a tight-fitting hose to it to keep the BF away from the pads.

Sherwood