I put a new brake reservoir on my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 L. I filled it up with brake fluid and then I pumped until I had a pedal but once I started the truck then I had no more pedal? Any answers?
RESPONSE
You still have air in the system. You will need to bleed the brakes. Have your assistant hold the brake pedal down, then open the bleeder fitting. Close the fitting before releasing the brake pedal.
How to Brake Bleeding
- Clean the master cylinder of excess dirt and remove the cylinder cover and the diaphragm.
- Fill the master cylinder to the proper level. Check the fluid level periodically during the brake bleeding process and replenish it as necessary. Do not allow the master cylinder to run dry, or you will have to start over.
- Before opening any of the bleeder screws, you may want to give each one a shot of penetrating solvent. This reduces the possibility of breakage when they are unscrewed.
- Attach a length of vinyl hose to the bleeder screw of the brake to be bled. Insert the other end of the hose into a clear jar half full of clean brake fluid, so that the end of the hose is beneath the level of fluid. The correct sequence for bleeding is to work from the brake farthest from the master cylinder to the one closest; right rear, left rear, right front, left front.
- Depress and release the brake pedal three or four times to exhaust any residual vacuum.
- Have an assistant push down on the brake pedal and hold it down. Open the bleeder valve slightly. As the pedal reaches the end of its travel, close the bleeder screw and release the brake pedal. Repeat this process until no air bubbles are visible in the expelled fluid.
- NOTE: Make sure your assistant presses the brake pedal to the floor slowly. Pressing too fast will cause air bubbles to form in the fluid.
- Repeat this procedure at each of the brakes. Remember to check the master cylinder level occasionally. Use only fresh fluid to refill the master cylinder, not the stuff bled from the system.
- When the bleeding process is complete, refill the master cylinder, install its cover and diaphragm, and discard the fluid bled from the brake system.