To address one specific scenario… Do you have a reservoir on top of the master cylinder, as in the photo? If so, you’d bleed them similar to a car’s brakes, either by using a hand vacuum pump on the bleed port or by having a helper apply the brake pedal while you open/close the bleeder.
[attachment=1:2ile4qk3]master cylinder.jpg[/attachment:2ile4qk3]
- Take lid off of master cylinder
- Attach vacuum pump OR piece of clear plastic tubing (with the other end in a jar) to bleeder (the “nipples” sticking out the top of the caliper in the photo below… You’ll have to do one at a time)
- Apply vacuum at bleeder OR have someone depress the brake pedal
- Crack bleeder slightly, watch fluid and maybe some bubbles come out of the caliper
- IMPORTANT: Close bleeder tightly while you still have vacuum applied OR before your helper lets off the pedal at all (if not, you’ll suck air into the brake line)
- Add clean brake fluid to the master-cylinder reservoir as needed to keep it close to full
- Replace lid on master cylinder
[attachment=0:2ile4qk3]caliper.jpg[/attachment:2ile4qk3]
At this point you should have a nice, firm pedal. IF IN ANY DOUBT, GET SOMEONE TO SHOW YOU HOW TO DO IT!!! Nothing like pushing the Stop Pedal and finding there’s nothing there! 😯