Brake Bleeding / Change get-together

[Miescha]

Sounds odd I know, but a few of us were going to get together next week and have a group brake fluid change out / bleeding. Having done this alone in the past, it can be a real challenge. But with a helper it goes really fast. And if your helper has in-line wrenches and basically knows the process, it goes really fast and easy. Moreover, if the helper has access to a lift (or eight lifts) the group project is made really easy.

Anyway . . . if anyone else is interested in joining myself and stlcruiser let me know. even if all you want to do is put your cruiser on the lift and have a look at all the stuff that needs to be addressed that you didn't even know about

As I've been off the boards and missed the last few meetings due to my ski trip and related accident and surgery, I'm looking forward to meeting anyone who wants to show up.

 

[wfd175]

Moj and I were discussing doing his front axle service on the weekend of the 19th. I believe he's in OH this weekend. Glad to see you back on line. I'll see if I can come down. My brake fluid was flushed last year. I'm going to switch to some SS line, which I don't have in hand right now. I'll wait for the flush when I swap those out. I want 20% greater braking too.

 

[Miescha]

the more the merrier I say. I'll get exact directions by Monday morning (probably by Friday actually), but basically Hanley Rd. from the Hwy 40 exit south just past Manchester (which is also hwy 44 exit at the Laclede Station exit and turn North/Left to just before Manchester rd).

STLcruiser may also do the Slee SS braided lines on Monday if he can get them in time. My experience is that, when doing the job on the lift, it took me about an hour to do all the lines from chasis to axles and also from axles to calipers EXCEPT the front DS line from chasssis to axle - which took about an hour by itself b/c my big fat hands couldn't fit in next to the oil pan (which was still hot btw) and also I forgot to spray down the connections with PB Blaster in advance. (hint, hint).

 

[Miescha]

Group Brake Bleeding

Man, we really should have taken pictures. What started as a plan for StlCruiser and myself to bleed StlCruiser's brakes turned into the four-person brake bleed bonanza. Kevin & George (new mudders) showed up in their ritzy rides (a tan '97 Collector's edition for Kevin and a Sage '97 40th Anniversary Edition for George), While StlCruiser and I appeared with our daily drivers.

We got STLCruiser's truck on the lift with all tires off and Kevin quickly became the designated pedal pusher, while I (with one working arm) became the designated stand-on-the-double-stack-of-tires-and-add-brake-fluid-guy (fluid-master sounds better though). Then StlCruiser and George did the hard work of actually attaching the hose, opening the bleeders, and bleeding the brakes. Either way, it looked pretty funny to see a group of four (4) guys working to complete a simple brake bleed job. Though it did go much faster on Kevin's truck (2nd time around) especially since it didn't have a completely rounded rear PS bleeder nut (though both had pretty much coffee for brake fluid).

I must say, the funniest part of the evening was either (1) while lowering StlCruiser's truck off the lift, I asked "should we put the last wheel on?" just as it was touching down. StlCruiser's head nearly snapped off as he looked up in horror expecting to see carnage. If only he listened to his wife so closely. OR (2) when StlCruiser slowly backed his truck away from the lift and tested the brakes to find they were working great. The fact that they were working was not so funny, but the fact that everyone was amazed they worked at all certainly seemed pretty damn funny. Can you say "no self confidence?"

George definitely needs a front axle service. Kevin needs to find his engine oil leak and, well, find his engine first by cleaning it.

I would have liked to get a picture of all four rigs lined up on the lifts, but the garage was unexpectedly in-use storing about $500k worth of shiny new BMWs (there were repeated reminders to 'please don't scratch the $60k X5 sitting 2 ft from the cruiser on the lift' and 'please don't overspray the brake-kleen or PB Blaster onto the paint of the $85k 650Li sitting nearby."

I really had a great time and I heard the same from Kevin already this evening. If there continues to be interest, I'm up for future 'cruiser collaborative' wrenching parties. I'll just have to remember to bring hand soap and even more tools.

Thanks for the fun.

 

[97_40th_152000]

Great time had by all

I enjoyed learning more about my truck and the company
was nice as well. I would love to use that lift to do my axle
service (and watch somebody else do it) LOL.
Thanks guys, hopefully we can do it again!!
George

 

[stlcruiser]

William,

Thanks for the recap of the evening. I've got an oil change coming up and was wondering if you, Kevin and George would be available. Kevin to drain, George to handle the filter, and you to pour in the oil. I'll install the plug gasket. Thanks again for the use of the lift. I think everyone had a great time. I'm still battling the froze bleeder valve. Plan is to have a caliper on hand just in case it breaks while giving it its last to break loose.

Anyway, after Saturday's adventure, I have decided to put in a Aussie Locker in the rear. Everything I've read says, if you don't do selectable, this is the way to go. Brian from B & D said he would help with the install.

Again, thanks for the recap and use of the garage. Until next time.

 

[Miescha]

William,

Anyway, after Saturday's adventure, I have decided to put in a Aussie Locker in the rear. Everything I've read says, if you don't do selectable, this is the way to go. Brian from B & D said he would help with the install.

Maybe MoJ or WFD can add something, but they mentioned there was one distinct DISadvantage to the aussie locker. But as you stated, it seems the best option IF YOU DON'T DO SELECTABLE, so it seems you already know this.

Based on what I've read here on mud, it seems an excellent choice given the price and the fact that you can do it yourself. If B&D Fab is willing to lend his advice/expertise, all the better. My understanding was that it was a relatively straight forward and simple procedure to add the aussie locker and didn't require extensive knowledge or experience (no gear setup or the like or anything similiar to installing the ARB air locker).

I'll join in the fun regardless, just let me know when and where.

 

[wfd175]

Maybe MoJ or WFD can add something, but they mentioned there was one distinct DISadvantage to the aussie locker. But as you stated, it seems the best option IF YOU DON'T DO SELECTABLE, so it seems you already know this.

.

Price is a huge consideration.

But, the one drawback to an automatic locker, here is this scenario. Your driving sideways across a muddy or slick slope. Your automatic locker engages. Now when the wheels start spinning, your rear end slides down hill because both tires are slipping. Not to say this won't happen with a ARB, but I believe gravity will prevail is most instances your chances of sliding across a slope increase when you can't unlock the rear wheels. I first learned of this when driving around the farm with a posi rear end pickup.