HELP! Can't bleed brakes and the front disc lock up
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- Canonman67
- Blue Oval Fan
- Posts: 536
- Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:49 pm
- Location: California, Galt
HELP! Can't bleed brakes and the front disc lock up
So I'm winding down the build and trying to bleed the brakes so I can get it on the road. It's a '70 F100 flareside with a dana 44 sporting 1 3/4 drums and shoes on the rear with a Scarebird conversion on the front (Chevy calipers, Dodge rotors). The master cylinder, booster, differential and metering valves all came from a '71 camper special with disc/drums. I've bench bled the master cylinder and get fluid at all four corners. The pedal feels like it firms up but then you are able to push through usually ending up about an inch above the bottom of travel. It only takes one pump to lock up the front disc and the only way to relieve them is to crack the bleeder. I checked the differential valve and it seems to be stuck in the center so I'm assuming (I know, I know) that's not the problem. I'm stuck and can't find anything in my searches that addresses my issues. Any ideas? Thoughts? Thanks in advance.
- Canonman67
- Blue Oval Fan
- Posts: 536
- Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:49 pm
- Location: California, Galt
Re: HELP! Can't bleed brakes and the front disc lock up
So it appears that my sticky disc problem stems from my not putting any lube on the slides. One down.
Now everyone at the shop says the not bleeding issue feels more like the master cylinder. I was able to change that out before I had to head home to get ready for work. I'll keep posting here on my progress for future reference.

- Canonman67
- Blue Oval Fan
- Posts: 536
- Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:49 pm
- Location: California, Galt
Re: HELP! Can't bleed brakes and the front disc lock up
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Re: HELP! Can't bleed brakes and the front disc lock up
Had the same issue on disc brakes years ago. Like you, I replaced the master cylinder. I know it sounds strange, but the problem was solved by replacing the rubber brake lines with new ones.
- Canonman67
- Blue Oval Fan
- Posts: 536
- Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:49 pm
- Location: California, Galt
Re: HELP! Can't bleed brakes and the front disc lock up
No I could see how they could collapse on themselves. Since I've already replaced them I hope I don't have to buy them again. We'll see next week when I have help to bleed them.