Problems bleeding brakes

[Darol Wester]

I've installed new disc brakes on two axles and am trying to bleed the lines. I've bled a lot of cars in my life, but haven't ran into this. Right behind the master cylinder is a Tie Down reverse lockout, then on to the brake lines. For some reason I can't get but just a little if any fluid past the lockout. I've taken it apart, blew air through it and all seems fine. I even hooked it up to the truck in case it was wanting to lock on me. Still no fluid. When the lockout is removed, the fluid is there when pumped. This is all done with the main line disconnected from the back side of lockout that goes to the brakes. Am I missing something here?

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Problems bleeding brakes

The Tie Down lockout solenoid is a known loser quality wise. Never have been very reliable and sounds like you may have a bad one. They also make a reversing solenoid that relieves pressure back to the master that is somewhat more reliable. A proper disc brake master will have provisions for the solenoid return line but on some Dico models you have to modify them. Here's a pic of my Dico D60 with a return tube modification.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Problems bleeding brakes

Thanks Dock. I seen those shots in the July thread I was reading. Fortunately, I have the return hole in my master already. Can you name something better I should be considering other than Tie Down, or is it just the nature of the beast?

 

[kmarine]

Re: Problems bleeding brakes

I recomend vacume bleeding, the $25 kit will save you a lot of time and aggervation.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Problems bleeding brakes

Thanks. I'm gonna look into that.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Problems bleeding brakes

It will be handy to have one around, but the auto part chains will loan you one if you prefer.