Cylinders, cylinders, cylinders!

[Vinzanto]

So I will be replacing my brake master cylinder, clutch master cylinder, two rear wheel cylinders..and maybe a slave if I can get my hands on one in town.

Should I bleed the whole system then put the new parts on?
Or should I replace the parts then bleed the entire system?

What is the preferred method sambaites?

[dobryan]

I like the idea of running clean fluid thru the lines before replacing parts. That way you are not flushing old nasty fluid through your new parts....
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[r39o]

Here is what I do for classic cars which basically makes the EXPENSIVE hydraulics last for ever.

As above the idea is to be clean.

But, I go a step further.

This step requires all NEW virgin rubber parts.

Take everything off and leave the metal lines.

Flush the metal lines with alcohol and dry with compressed air.

If you are rebuilding any cylinders, use McKay Silicon Assembly lube.

(Even new parts benefit from being taken apart and inspected and re built first.)

Now with very thing clean clean clean with alcohol, assemble and fill with synthetic fluid.

I have cars assembled over 25 years now with no hydraulic failures.

Be careful some old rubber swells with synthetic fluid, so you need to test a bit first.

This is extreme and some of the cheap aftermarket parts will still fail.

I urge the resleeving with stainless sleeves of the old cylinders sized to use standard modern cups and O rings (if possible.)

Again, this is the extreme - last forever way to overhaul the hydraulics.

DO NOT TO THIS HALF ASSED - It is your life on the line here, do it RIGHT!
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[Wildthings]

[Phishman068]

I wouldn't much worry about bleeding it, as what you've just described will certainly loose all the fluid anyway.
Then fill new fluid and bleed at each cylinder not just until clear of bubbles, but until clear fluid comes out.
I like to let them "gravity bleed" a bit first to get clear fluid to each point before i even start bleeding.

I like valvoline synthetic brake fluid and find its very easy to distinguish clean (clear) fluid from old fluid at each bleeding point.

[Vinzanto]

Now heres a creative question: if I open all of the bleeder valves and prep them for bleeding can I bleed all four corners at the same time?

Also how many quarts of fluid should I plan on using, I don't want to go out mid-stride and have to purchase more.

[Wildthings]

[r39o]

[insyncro]

I gravity drain and power bleed.
My approach has always been to start bleeding the wheel furthest from the reservoir and finish with the one closest.
I will try working opposite corners the next time around.
Thanks.

[Wildthings]