First, love this community and the cars. Great inspiration and help.
But...
I recently rebuilt my front calipers and replace brake pads and fluid on my 88' Cabriolet. Everything went well with no surprises (thanks to this forum and "how to" articles) until I got to the point of bleeding the brake system.
Before I get into that, I feel the need to disclose my abilities. I have been doing my own auto maintenance for the last 20 years. Starting from basic oil changes that progressed to rebuilding major components, like engines, trans, rear ends....etc. As well as as electrical, suspension, upholstery, and body work. I am by no means claiming any level of skill as I feel I am always on a steep learning curve, particularly since this work has been on several different makes/model autos. So, I haven't "mastered" any particular brand.
Which brings us to my 1988 Porsche Cab. When I hooked up my Motive brake bleeder set up and pressurizing the system with a few pumps, I began to hear a fluid sound cascading and hitting the garage floor. I immediately though I didn't tighten a brake line or bleeder screw and frantically looked underneath the car at all four corners looking for this water fall of brake fluid. What I discovered next is something I never experience in any brake system (this is my first), nor did I read about it in any "how to" or in my Porsche project book.
This is why I rebuild the calipers, dust shield were brittle and torn
Below are pictures of what was causing the brake fluid to push out of the system before I could crack a bleeder screw. The master brake reservoir has a small upper hose located on the top/driver side of the reservoir. This line goes through the drivers front fender towards the front and stops just behind and below the front bumper.
Below is the end of that line. I had to plug it with a 3/16 rivet (perfect fit).
After plugging that line, I was able to pressurize the system up to 10psi and bleed the brakes.
I hope this helps the next person that will use the pressure method of bleeding there brake system.
Cheers,
