M/C and out of brake fluid question

[skystak]

I am doing a front suspension refresh and I thought I plugged the brake lines, but......I have lots of fluid on the floor and nothing in the reservoir. Do I do a normal "fill it up" and just use the power bleeder or do I now have a M/C issue? 86 targa 3.2

[mkc1962]

Been there....Sounds like you've got the lines removed from the calipers?you could possible fill the reservoir and wait till you see fluid bleeding out the lines, attach each to its caliper as you see this, then re-bleed each. But this will take quite some time, and you might still have air in the system. On what few occasions I've got air in the system Ive slowly forced fluid back-wards from the bleeder screw back up to the reservoir, Using an over-sized syringe. You can try the power bleeder approach, but usually you still get lots of air and waste lots of fluid.

[TCallas]

It doesn't appear that we have enough information to help you out. Fill us in on more of this story and we will gladly see what we can offer. I am not sure why your master cylinder would have given up just like that. Tony Callas

[TCallas]

OK, after reading Mike's post I think I understand where you are coming from. Sure, if it’s just the brake caliper lines/hoses that leaked out the fluid then connect all as necessary, fill the reservoir then slowly pressurize the system with new brake fluid but don't forget to block the breather tube from the brake fluid reservoir first. I would bleed the right rear first, then the left rear, right front then the left front. It should be fine. I also prefer to not pump the brake pedal to bleed the brakes on older cars because the brake master cylinder might not like to be stroked after all these years. Tony Callas

[skystak]

More info..
I took off all of the suspension, hub, struts, bearings, calipers and rotors by following Bentley and the tech articles here. (another story...my first attempt at DIY other then painting my house)
1. disconnected brake line and sensor at caliper (86 carerra brakes)
2. removed two big bolts on caliper
3. take off caliper. (forgot to retract pads so used a c-clamp after)
note:
I used a stick to push the brake pedal in about an inch, not sure it actually held....
4. plugged the open lines with wax ear plugs. one held, one didn't, (vacuum caps kept falling off)
worked for awhile... but then empty....
everything worked fine before I started, rotor looked good and pads measure out OK, so I didn't replace.
It's been empty now for about a week. I was going to refill when I put it all back together.
I am ordering a motive power bleeder and new SS lines. I was worried I'd need to do something extra to the M/C and I may have screwed it up by letting the reservoir run dry.
All rookie mistakes....I need to learn somehow.
Also, I cant get the sensor and brake line clip off the old strut???arggg, so I'll order new...
The PP board has helped TREMENDOUSLY, thank you! all.

[mkc1962]

sky,

be safe to say it just ran out due to gravity and all things being disconnected. Doubt you have any sort of problem with the MC. Yep, thats how we learn. Either my way or Tony's way should get you back to going...that is AFTER you get it all back together.

For future...the only way I have found to not gravity drain a system while open is to attach vacuum tubing to the loose joint in question and have the other end of said tube higher than the reservoir and capped. Golf tees make great vacuum line caps.. I'll use this method if I am only removing one item at a time, and often may leave it that way for days if need be. Also, I only remove one caliper at a time for rebuild.

hope all this helps

[skystak]

thank you, how much and what is the best type of brake fluid to order?
Also, do i need a motive bleed bottle or will any old bottle and straw do to bleed?
Finally, when putting in the SS lines, I assume the leak will now be minimal since its empty. Just unscrew and replace?

[TCallas]

Call me it will make it much easier. 310-370-7038 Tony Callas