Bleeding brakes how?

[MaximX]

Cleaned out dirty brake fluid, now I am trying to get the good stuff in and get air out.  I can not figure out how to do this.  In the first picture I am trying to reverse feed the new BF in, but it will not allow this.  So I go to the other side and yes I can get fluid to go in that direction and out the brake pad nipple, but no air is coming out and I still have no rear brakes.  Help.  I do not know what else to do.

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[Hans]

lose the syringe... put the reservoir back on, have it sit at a spot you can get at it.  fill it up to the top.  Put a piece of hose on the bleeder nut. With the bleeder nut closed, pump up the brakes.  The crack the nut as you pump the lever down.  at the bottom of the stroke, tighten the nut, repeat and repeat and repeat, making sure the reservoir doesn't empty.  Eventually you will see the air bubble and new fluid come through, tighten the bleeder nut and then pump up the brakes again, should get solid.  On the first ride, may need tp pump them up one more time as the pads re-bed in.

Edit... you can use the syringe on the bleeder nut to provide a bit of vacuum, when you pump the brake lever, it will draw fluid. 

[Dennis]

Having just done this myself with two helpers for each brake caliper, the only thing I would add is to wait a second or two after you push down the lever (with the brake bleeder screw open) before tightening the bleeder and allowing the lever to come back up.  Then wait a second or two with the lever up and the bleeder screws closed.  I found that the level in the reservoir changed not immediately, but a second or two after each step.

Peace & Brake Fluid, Dennis

[fast1]

  You need to bleed the master cylinder first to build pressure. Remove cap and top fluid. leave cap off. Pull the lever in quickly then release repeatedly while simultaneously rapping the master cylinder and top  of the line with a screwdriver handle. Stop every six reps or so and hold the lever full in for a few seconds. You will see bubbles. when there are no more bubbles the master cylinder will make fluid pressure. Now follow Hans' instructions, with the lid still off. Watch the fluid level, it will initially drop very quickly and if you empty the resevoir....do over! CHEERS.

[fast1]

    Sorry, Should read pump brake pdal vigorously and hold. Didn't read through the whole thing, thought you were doing the clutch. Everything except the lever still applies. Cheers and oops.

[MaximX]

Thanks all for your input.  I unbolted the master cylinder and found that the piston is stuck in the 'up' position.  What felt like lots of air in the system was a plunger pushing against nothing.  I am going to try and free it with a blast of compressed air at a friend's place today.  The unexpected sure can confuse matters when doing stuff like this.

[MaximX]

Took it off, sprayed some penetrating oil on the stuck piston.  Two taps on concrete floor got it working again.  Back in place and it was easy as it should have been to get the air out of the system.  Yes did not need a syringe, but when all else is failing and dealing with an unknown factor I tried everything!