1978 CJ-5: Bleeding brakes

This is a great forum - just what I've been looking for to learn more about working on my jeep. Need some advice regarding my brake lines...

I recently replaced the rear wheel cylinders in my 1978 CJ-5, and now have air in both rear brake lines. I tried to follow the bleeding instructions in my "Haynes Repair manual (CJ5 1949-1986)", which is calling for an AMC tool #J-26869 in order to "hold" the metering valve section of the combination valve.

Is it necessary to use this tool (which I do not have) or is there another way to get the air out?

Salty

 

There is a product called "Speedbleeder" which replaces the bleeder screw with a check valve. YOu open it, bleed that wheel cylinder, and close it back. Can bleed the whole system by yourself - works great. About $8 each as I recall.

 

put a small hose on the bleeder and put the other end in a contaner with enough brake fluid in it to cover the end of the hose about 2",open the bleeder and depress the pedal to the floor then release it slowly. do this a couple times and check the fluid level in master cyl and your contaner.this will purge the air,if you have a helper have them watch for bubbles when they stop close the bleeder and go to the nexy one.a small vacuam hose will work.XX

'

 

You need to hold the button in on some proportioning valves in order to bleed the brakes. There is a special tool that does this, but you can bend up a piece of sheet metal to do the same thing.

I suggest you go to www.oljeep.com and look at the factory manual closest to your year. There is a picture there IIRC.

 

Thanks for the help. The tubing and jar did the trick. Also think we weren't stomping the pedal hard enough. All new brake pads, shoes, wheel cylinders and spring kits plus degreaser and two cans of brake cleaner for less than $100. Gotta love it!

 

Im a fan of the one pump open bleeder hold pedal to floor close bleeder repeat....multiple pumps make one big bubble into many little ones or best yet vacuum bleeder mine cost about 125 dollars and saves many headaches......

 

X 3,000,000 on the speed bleeders. They are cheap and work excellent!