Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installed?

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Paul Giganti
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Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installed?

#1 Post by Paul Giganti »

I just finished installing all new internals in all four wheels on my 356B, EVERYTHING and rebuilt the master brake cylinder too. I have not installed the four aluminum wheel drums. I was wondering if I can bleed the brakes BEFORE I install the wheel drums?

I know that it's a pretty easy step to install the four drums before bleeding the brakes, but I thought maybe it would be easier to see if there are any brake fluid leaks without the drums installed. I can't think of a reason I shouldn't, but thought I'd ask just in case there's a good reason to install the drums first.

Paul

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Robert Reed
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Re: Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installe

#2 Post by Robert Reed »

Paul,
Don’t try it unless you have a 280 mm diameter band to place on the shoes. You would more than likely have to put everything back together again after you blow out the cylinders.
The drum is the only thing that keeps everything in place. I have never tried it, but I would have to recommend against it.
Bob

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John Brooks
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Re: Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installe

#3 Post by John Brooks »

I would not, but you can put a band clamp or a tie down strap tight around the shoes to keep them from moving when you apply pressure for the bleed. There is allot of hydraulic pressure in the wheel cylinders. You need to do all of them. If you push out a piston, it's not a good thing.
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Tom Tate
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Re: Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installe

#4 Post by Tom Tate »

I'm thinking that if you are using a vacuum bleeder you could do it. With an air pressure bleeder (air pressure put into the reservoir) I'm not so sure.Since the bleeder valves are on the back why not just pop the drums on and then pull them of to look when you're done?

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Paul Giganti
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Re: Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installe

#5 Post by Paul Giganti »

Good advice! I wouldn’t want to blow off the springs that took me so long and hard to fit! I’ll just slip the drum on while I bleed the brakes.

Does the order in which I bleed the brakes make any difference?

Paul

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Re: Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installe

#6 Post by Greg Bryan »

Rule of thumb is to start at the farthest away and work to the closest, and repeat.
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Jim Liberty
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Re: Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installe

#7 Post by Jim Liberty »

Sage advice Greg. ............Jim.
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Bil Brown
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Re: Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installe

#8 Post by Bil Brown »

My tool choice for installing brake shoe springs..........6" needlenose Vise-Grips.........(used to be) made 30 miles south of here in DeWitt NE...... for many decades!
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Paul Giganti
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Re: Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installe

#9 Post by Paul Giganti »

That is EXACTLY the tool I used. It also works well installing those cup spring retainers in the middle of each shoe!

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Bil Brown
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Re: Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installe

#10 Post by Bil Brown »

you got it Paul!
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Paul Giganti
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Re: Can you bleed the brakes without the wheel hubs installe

#11 Post by Paul Giganti »

The other helpful hint I learned the hard way: Cover the adjustment end of the vice grips with a balled up rag. That way you can push harder without leaving a tell-tale imprint of the tool on your hand!

Paul

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