Back flush brake lines

[T-Rob's Reinell]

Just bought a 1995 Reinell 197 brxl. It came with a V/M Trailer. When I looked at the master cylinder it was full of jelly like brake fluid and debris. I removed the brake lines that linked the master cylinder to the flexible brake line. It was nasty old dark colored fluid with dirt and debris. I have ordered a new master cylinder and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.
Can I back flush the brake lines starting at the drums so I do not push anymore gunk down the lines? Has anybody done this? I was thinking of using some parts cleaner and an air hose to blow the gunk forward instead of towards the brakes. Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

[Outsider]

Re: Back flush brake lines

The line would have to be disconnected at both ends, take your pick of where to start ...

 

[T-Rob's Reinell]

Re: Back flush brake lines

I thought so I just wanted to be sure. Could I start at the bleeder and flush out the goo " if there is any" inside the drums?

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Back flush brake lines

Your probably going to find it in the wheel cylinders to.

 

[Leardriver]

Re: Back flush brake lines

Slurp the reservoir out with a piece of clear tubing and refill it to rinse it. No need to push nasties through the lines. I keep a sacrificial shop vac around for oil, brake fluid, etc.
I just did this procedure that you are doing this week. Put a piece of tubing on the wheel cylinder bleeder, open it 3/4 of a turn or so, and just pump the master surge coupler with a big screw driver. You can watch the dark fluid turn yellow again, and keep an eye on the fluid level in the MC reservoir.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Back flush brake lines

Just bite the bullet now and replace the wheel cylinders when you replace the master cylinder. Attach the master cylinder first and flush out the open lines and then connect them up to your new wheel cylinders and finish the bleeding process.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Back flush brake lines

^+1

 

[T-Rob's Reinell]

Re: Back flush brake lines

It was enough to get my wife to take a chunk out of savings for the boat. I dont want to pull more for the trailer yet. Thank you all for the input. For now, Ill flush the lines, install new master and call it good for this season.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Back flush brake lines

really. wheel cylinders are like 15 bucks each. you are willing to roll the dice?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Back flush brake lines

If your master cylinder was toast, I can almost guarantee you the wheel cylinders are too. Been there....done that!

 

[T-Rob's Reinell]

Re: Back flush brake lines

My bad... I posted before I researched the cylinders. It will be a good idea to replace them. Thanks for the kick in the butt.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Back flush brake lines

Always happy to kick someone in the butt.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Back flush brake lines

Get aluminum ones if possible.