Need even more advice on Bleeding and flushing brake system.

[andy5014]

OK, just got done installing a new actuator on my trailer. I had a leak that I assumed was from a crushed brake line. While I was fixing the brake line I decided that I would replace the actuator also. I got everything replace and decided to flush the system out with Dot 3 brake fluid. When I started flushing out the brakes the fluid that was coming out of the bleed valve was extremely dark brown. I assume that this is rust or some sort of corrosion. What should I do next. Do I continue to flush the system out until the fluid comes out clean? or is this a sign that I have a problem in my brake calibers? I have never done anything like this so all advice is welcome.

[Toypuller]

Keep flushing until the fluid is mostly clear. It is just rust from the lines and won't really hurt anything, but brake fluid is cheap.

You may want to consider buying a brake line vacuum. It saves a ton of work. You can get them for about $40.00.

[FishnFed]

Advanced Auto and places like that "rent" a brake line vacuum kit. You pay a deposit, take it home, do the job, return it and get your money back. Check around some auto supply places if you don't want to buy one. Good luck

[andy5014]

Thanks for the advice. I purchased a vacuum pump at an auto part store. It worked great on 3 out of 4 wheels, but I still had problems. The caliper that I was getting all the corrosion out of would not bleed. I finally took the the caliper off and found that the seal around the piston was ruptured and that the piston was frozen. I now have new calipers being shipped from UFP. Hopefully this will solve all of the problems.

[Lyn O. Dyer]

Always make sure the master cylinder is below the bleed screws when you bleed, lower the tounge.

[DEdwards]

OK, how does the vaccum work? Does it plug in by your wheels where you would normally open the valve?

[Toypuller]

Yes.

It has a line that attaches to the top of the bleeder screw. The line then runs into a jar, then the jar attaches to another line that runs to the pump.

Open the bleeder screw. Pump a vacuum, and it draws the fluid into the jar.

Makes it easy for one man bleeding.