Brakes died. Went totally limp and I had to stand on them to get home. I replaced the Master Cylinder but now I have to bleed the lines. What a pain. If I'm going to have to do all that I should go ahead and spend the money and replace the shoes. How should I bleed them solo? I have no helper.
Also, from Autozone, OReilly, etc, you can usually find "self bleeder" screws that are loc-tited and have a one-way valve, for about $11 per pair. Loosen them up, put your hose and catch can on, and pump away, as long as you don't go dry in the m/c.
Wow, two posts in a row begging for an off-color comment, but I just can't, it's too wrong! I installed the one-man bleeders Scott is referring to, and they worked great. While you are checking things out, make sure your rear brakes are adjusted right. I replaced practically the entire brake system on my 77 (m/s, calipers, and rear cylinders) and still had to pump the brakes to build pedal pressure. Then I found out rear brakes out of adjustment will cause that problem. Adjusted them and the problem went away.
I see no opportunity for an off-color comment anywhere in here. Would you like to enlighten us, maybe take things into your own hands and make a joke out of it?
You can also gravity bleed the system. It takes more time, but it works. Just open the right rear and let it drip. Once you get new fluid, close it and move to left rear. Then right front, and finally left front. Save yourself some time and bench bleed the M/C, like mentioned earlier.
I do what mercgt73 said , its alot cheaper than a 50 dollar vacuum pump or 25 dollars worth of bleeders. Just make sure the master cylinder stays full of fluid you don`t want to let air back into the system while you`r bleeding it .
