So my '95 X300 had an issue with a front left caliper sticking. I replaced both calipers, pads and hoses. Now just to bleed them. Nothing works. Standard bleeding with a helper. No good. Add power hand bleeder. Ditto. Tried the funny jaguar method using a 6 inch loop above the caliper . No joy. Can my master cylinder be bad? I sure could use an expert here.

 

Are you not getting fluid to the calipers?

Or, you're getting fluid ....but can't get all the air out?

If the former, the master cylinder is suspect.

If the latter....keep at it. I've bled god-knows-how-many systems. Sometimes I'm done in 10 minutes. Other times, still fighting 3 hours later.

Might try removing and bench-bleeding the master cylinder

Cheers
DD

 

I get very little fluid right side none on left.

 

Have you tried running the engine for a while for the sake of vacuum? What does the pedal feel like?

 

You need to try and narrow down the issue.

So choose a caliper, I'd suggest the Left with no fluid. Work backwards on the brake line from the Caliper->Hose->ABS Module->Pipe->Master Cylinder, disconnecting at various points until you get a flow of fluid from your Power Bleeder or assistant pushing the pedal.

If you get all the way back to the Master Cylinder with no flow then that will be your issue.


Are they new calipers or rebuild or used? Could be as simple as paint blocking the bleed orofice.

 

@italcarnut Let us know if any progress is made. I am really curious what the problem could be.

 

A PM told me I was tagged. What does tagging mean? I didn't say anything offensive.

 

That was me tagging you. I was just wondering if you made any progress.

 

Oh Sorry about that. Facebook suspended me for saying something they deemed offensive. What thin skin. I thought tagging was similar. So far I didn't readdress it since I had to work. I will have a new look at it tomorrow. I have a sense that the master cylinder is a suspect since I pumped the pedal a few times and after a few pumps it sank further to the ground. I think the internal seals are sticking. Over 150,000 miles you know. Even if not guilty, at this age at the hydraulics should be replaced. Your thoughts?

 

It is possible that the master cylinder is bad but if your car was pulling to one side when braking and the opposite caliper was seized I think the chance is unlikely. When you removed the left caliper did you try to push the piston back? All it should take is a reasonable amount of clamp force, nothing crazy.

I would first make sure the fluid reservoir is full and cap is on. Then have a helper pump the pedal while you open the nipple on the caliper(s). Preferably with the engine running to rule out a potential lack of vacuum. Or at least run the engine for a few minutes first and shut it off.

 

The caliper was frozen and when I took it apart I had to use all sorts of tools to loosen it. The piston was pitted pretty bad so I just got another one. The right side wasn't bad but I rebuilt it anyway. Yes we had the engine running only to find out I need a new harmonic balancer. Good thing this is not my everyday car. I know it sounds like a coincidence, but I still blame the MC. Things just happen to work that way for me. I replaced the AC compressor and went to replace the drier only to find the condenser was falling apart.

 

So, gents, a conclusion was reached. Bench bled the MC, had the ABS module rebuilt, and Nothing. Bled the ABS pump at the pipe connections and only the right front didn't bleed. Bought a used ABS pump on Ebay and everything works. The main manifold where all four pipes connect was faulty. Well, after all the expense, at least I know my son's car will stop. Thanks to all you gentlemen who helped me in my time of need and gave me the courage to push forward. Now to work on my bride's Christmas gift. A 1997 VDP in British Racing Green. We truly are gluttons for punishment!