Brakes: Do I really need a brick under the pedal??

[Hawklover]

I recently read that when one is bleeding brakes manually one guy in the car, another under the car, one should put a brick under the brake pedal, why in the world would this be suggested?...................only thing I can think of is when sitting in the car I hear..."pump em up......hold it down..................that if I push the pedal to the floor somehow this is deleterious to the master cylinder????
Thoughts??????????

[Son O Lark]

Maybe because an older master cylinder may have a worn area and if the piston goes past the worn portion it may damage the rubber on it. I am just guessing.

[StudeRich]

Thousands of brake Bleeding jobs have been done successfully without a Brick, so I don't see ANY reason to use one!

It thought it was with only One person, use a Brick to jamb the Pedal down somehow. Between the Clutch and Brake?
Whatever, it won't work!

[yeroldad]

I bleed brakes by myself all the time. I pump up, then put a 2X4 from the seat to the brake peddle to hold it down. Works just fine. Yeah yeah, it gonna mess up the seat. Well, it doesn't if there is a towel between the seat and 2X4.

[BRUCESTUDE]

Haha I have a few 1x2 wood pieces for exactly this reason! They fit between the underside of the dash and the brake pedal.

[Topper2011]

I've used my adjustable hood prop rod against the seat like Scott has. Usually, it's easier to ask my wife or if either of my kids are around. I've been thinking of trying this though. Cheap Mity-Vac.

[altair]

You don't need anything to push the pedal down gravity will do the job, it just takes more time. I have done it many times, just open the bleeder with a clear tube attached into a clear jar and do something else for 10 minutes and repeat at all four cylinders. The only thing you have to do is leave the cap off monitor the fluid level. The process takes about half an hour, but who is in a hurry. I have done brakes by my self for years and this is the only way I know.

[Ron Dame]

I've done this too,but I'm with Skip.. I'm not sure it works with below the floor master cylinders, at least not without a remote reservoir.

[Skip Lackie]

altair-
Don't think it will work if the master cylinder is lower than the wheel cylinders.

[Hawklover]

Many years ago I attempted this on my Avanti, even after one hour the pass rear line did not drain, so maybe you can do some cars in 10 minutes, but not in an Avanti.

[StudeRich]

That may be due to No residual Valve !

[Hawklover]

Rich a Studebaker Avanti has no residual valve!

[StudeRich]

The "Proper" way has always been the Recommended Method, using PRESSURE to thoroughly flush and Clean the Lines, Hoses, Wheel Cylinders and Master Cyl. of the contaminants and Moisture while getting All of the Air out.

So pumping the Pedal or using a Pressure Bleeder is the ONLY way I would ever do it, as I always have.
I find that taking the longer, more difficult Road to projects like this is always the Best one.

[Son O Lark]

This topic has drifted away from original question.

[Hawklover]

Maybe because an older master cylinder may have a worn area and if the piston goes past the worn portion it may damage the rubber on it. I am just guessing.

I believe you are correct