Stan1911

Thinking about trying to rebuild our calipers and maybe add stainless steel brake lines to our Bird.

How do you do that and not have all the brake fluid run out? Or do you have to replace the fluid and bleed everything including the master cylinder?

Stan1911

Ok maybe I will try to work fast, just heard a number of time not to let the MC run dry and trying to figure a way to avoid that.

drdave88

Get wire or something to tie the brake hose up as high as possible, you will lose some fluid, but should be ok doing it that way. I have usually had good luck, although I've never had the calipers off for a long period of time, like a rebuild.

Stan1911

Thanks drdave

LilJayV10

iTrader: (39)

use a valve stem that you would use on a rim. take the cap off(sometimes the cap won't go through) and shove it through the hole at the end of the brake hose(where the bolt would go)

leak stopped.

Joeyofblades

iTrader: (2)

^ this. My CTS-V brembos came with these blue rubber/plastic plugs that covered the hole where the hose goes, I used this same plug on the brake line while doing the swap. If you want to avoid air in the lines keep topping off the master cylinder as you work.

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

Eastwoods now sell a set of spring-loaded "plugs" that you slip around the fluid line, in this case brake lines, and their rubber tips close off the lines, keeping the fluid in place. A set of 4 different sized "plugs" is around $20, IIRC.

Stan1911

Awesome thanks guys!

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

If you buy rebuilt calipers and return the cores later, you can...

1. top off your master cylinder and snap the lid back on--less airspace=better (fluid will flow slower when you eventually crack open the lines)
2. unbolt the old calipers, but leave them connected to the lines.
3. install rebuilt caliper, pads and all.
4. connect new braided line to rebuilt caliper
5. disconnect old line from body
6. quickly connect new braided line to body
7. wipe up what little fluid leaked out (if you do the line switch fast enough, almost nothing will come out).
8. bleed the brakes like normal.
9. return your cores.

Stan1911

That is some great advise right there.....thanks