Well the good news is I installed the front shocks, new rotors, pads, calipers, tie rod ends, wheel bearings and packed fresh grease into the hub.

The bad news is I still have a soft, low brake pedal. While I had the car on stands, I used my vacuum suction pump to draw the fluid through each front caliper. I then turned the key to the on position and pressed the brake pedal. To my satisfaction, the brake pedal was up and firm (like I put some powdered viagra in the brake fluid....yup, I've got a strange sense of humor). When I started the engine and put my foot on the brake pedal, it dropped to the floor. I pumped the pedal a couple of times and it settled into it prior, low position. I took it for a brief drive and it stopped like before with a low pedal.

I checked and found no leaking lines. My question is could I still have air in the lines? Do I need to bleed the front calipers the old fashioned way where someone pumps/holds will I work the caliper bleeder valve? Btw, I didn't touch the rear calipers. As always, anyone's advise is appreciated. Ren

 

Hi Ren,
I would recommend bleeding all the calipers with a helper ( back ones too just to get fresh fluid in them ). When I used a vac pump to try to bleed mine after a rebuild / replace of all the hoses & calipers, the vac pump sucked air in around the bleeder screw threads causing never ending bubbles in the vac hose. To make sure I got all the air out, I had to go old school with the two person method.

Cheers,
Brian

 

I agree with Brian, all four calipers should be bled until solid fluid comes out and I have never seen anything beat the two person method. Don't forget to check the master cylinder often.

Dave

 

Yup, I was wondering about all the bubbles in the line. Okay, time to get the neighbor kid to help. Thanks for you advice.