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Posted by: Gromicko Mar 19 2016, 07:23 AM

I recently had all 4 calipers on my 1971 914 rebuilt because it had been sitting for decades. The brakes worked, but stuck, and a had a small leak. I put the calipers back on, but now can't get brake fluid to flow through the lines in order to bleed the brakes. I've tried a hand vacuum pump on the bleeder screws, even disconnected the lines at the calipers. The reservoir is full, but I can get the fluid to flow. Can I hook up an electric high vacuum pump to the lines? I'm afraid I'll damage the rebuilt calipers. Any suggestions? Can you send instructions?

Thank you,

Greg

Posted by: stugray Mar 19 2016, 08:02 AM

Replace the flex lines.
They swell internally and block the flow.

Posted by: dangrouche Mar 19 2016, 08:46 AM

Bird board bleeding procedure

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/914_bleed_brakes/914_bleed_brakes.htm

Posted by: tomrev Mar 19 2016, 08:58 AM

New MC's frequently want to be bench bled, to get fluid flowing, before even installing in the car. I do it over my parts cleaner, with plastic lines going right back into the res.,cycle it till it flows, then clean up, and installing the car. It can be frustrating!

Posted by: Steve Pratel Mar 19 2016, 09:54 AM

As Stu said, if you havent yet, replace the flex lines. Also I've found the vacuum or pull method less effective than the push. I bought one of those 'push' bleeders and it works outstanding. Comes with adapters for other vehicle MC as well. Just make sure you clamp the MC overflow line.

Posted by: Gromicko Mar 19 2016, 05:03 PM

Thank you all. I will replace the flex lines and try the pressure bleeding.

Greg

Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 19 2016, 05:17 PM

I bought one of these: http://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/PEL0100.htm?pn=PEL-0100&SVSVSI=9144

It works like a champ and ends up being a one man operation. The family is glad that I don't have to draft them into helping with the bleeding operation.