new brakes, now no brakes Options

[anderssj]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) end of a long and frustrating day. . .

spent the afternoon installing new rear calipers from PMB, new rear rotors, and new pads. followed eric's instructions (classic thread) on adjusting the venting clearance (I set it at .004"). Parking brake engagement feels normal. I've pressure bled the system twice now, still little/no pedal.  it feels like there's still air in the system, but I'm not seeing any bubbles the last two times I bled the system. no leaks at the lines, calipers, or bleeder screws either.

the only place I opened the lines was at the rear calipers; I capped them right away to prevent any big loss of fluid. When I finished reconnecting the lines to the new calipers, the brake reservoir was still about 1/2 full.

FWIW, I've rebuilt the rear calipers on this car in the past and have never had this problem before. I'm at a loss as to what to do next (aside from having a beer or two tonight). I'll probably try re-bleeding the system again tomorrow, but would appreciate any ideas in case I'm leaving something out.


Thanks in advance!

Steve A-

[anderssj]

OK, so I spent a few hours rechecking the venting clearance (three were at .004 and one was .006--all are .004 now) and re-bleeding the system (twice). Oh, made sure the bleeders were on top too.

While bleeding the system, I tapped along the lines from the pressure valve on the firewall all the way to the calipers--tapped on the calipers too. I got a few small bubbles out of the system,

Took it out for a drive after today's work and the pedal is still soft. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) The brakes are a little better than last night (not quite so "whoa-effin'-Nelly"), but it's still not nearly as good as it was before I started--worn pads, rotors, and all. Pumping it a couple of times when stopping seems to give me more pedal/better braking. I'm thinking that means there's still air in the system (pumping the brakes wouldn't effect any problems associated with venting clearance would it?).

I guess another check would be to see if the MC is leaking and causing the soft pedal. Hope not, as it's a relatively recent ATE 19mm unit . . . .

Updates to follow. Again, any advice/suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Steve A-