Front Brakes

[djg1]

I just changed the front brakes on my 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 2WD and I'm having trouble bleeding them. I'm using the bleeder valve on the driver's side but it has been squared off by someone else on the passenger side. So I'm using the bolt holding the brake line onto the caliper.
Someone pumps the brake pedal and holds down. Then I open either the bleeder valve or the bolt. Good flow, so I close it. Release the brake pedal. Repeat 2x each side. And of course the master cylinder is filled before starting.

During the process, the brake pedal gets hard like it should. But when I start it to test drive, the pedal goes to the floor easily. I've repeated the bleeding process several times and the pedal is getting a little better. Do I still not have all the air out? Can the bolt not be used to properly bleed the brake?

 

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

I just changed the front brakes on my 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 2WD and I'm having trouble bleeding them. I'm using the bleeder valve on the driver's side but it has been squared off by someone else on the passenger side. So I'm using the bolt holding the brake line onto the caliper.
Someone pumps the brake pedal and holds down. Then I open either the bleeder valve or the bolt. Good flow, so I close it. Release the brake pedal. Repeat 2x each side. And of course the master cylinder is filled before starting.

During the process, the brake pedal gets hard like it should. But when I start it to test drive, the pedal goes to the floor easily. I've repeated the bleeding process several times and the pedal is getting a little better. Do I still not have all the air out? Can the bolt not be used to properly bleed the brake?

Why did you bleed the brake system if you only changed the front brake pads?

You will probably have to have the brake hydraulic system power blend and the ABS control unit bled with a computer to ensure all trapped air is forced out.

 

[djg1]

Why did you bleed the brake system if you only changed the front brake pads?

You will probably have to have the brake hydraulic system power blend and the ABS control unit bled with a computer to ensure all trapped air is forced out.

Brake pedal wasn't stiff and I had changed a brake line too.

 

[Hambodian]

The line bolt will not bleed out the air trapped in the piston. It will only bleed the line out. You gotta replace the bleeder valve and bleed it through there.

How I bleed:
I do bleeding by myself using a pop bottle and a clear hose. Connect the hose to the bleeder valve, put the other end all the way into the bottom bottle. Keep the bottle above the bleed valve and crack the valve open. About 5-7 pumps and you will see clean fluid in the tube. Keeping the bottle above the valve prevents air from going back in.

 

[diymirage]

I would buy me a new nipple and find a way (vise grips) to remove the oem nipple, the bleed it as per usual

 

[djg1]

I would buy me a new nipple and find a way (vise grips) to remove the oem nipple, the bleed it as per usual

Thanks everyone for confirming my suspicions. Today, I will be heating (propane torch) around the nipple and hitting it with PB Blaster. Then use a vise grip. After I get the brake bled, I'll be able to drive (only vehicle) to the parts store and get a new valve.

 

[Rustbelt Bob]

I hate to ask,but how did this "Bleeder Mayhem" turn out for Ya'..?? Here,in "The Rust Belt",the Salt and Brine denies any option of vise grips saving the day..!!

 

[RamLife1500]

That banjo bolt is likely the issue. It’ll move fluid, but it’s not meant to bleed the caliper and air can stay trapped. That’s why the pedal feels firm with the engine off but drops to the floor once you start it — classic air in the system.


You really need a working bleeder on both calipers. Either extract/replace the bleeder screw or swap the caliper. Once that’s fixed, bleed both sides normally and the pedal should come back. Using the brake line bolt is a workaround at best and usually won’t fully get the air out.

These articles will prob help you out-
https://nrsbrakes.com/blogs/support...ing-your-brakes-to-remove-air-from-the-system

https://autofrontiers.com/front-brake-pad-rotor-replacement-guide/