problem bleeding brakes with acme tow dolly

[HGC]

We use an Acme EZ Tow dolly and I have just put new brake pads on it. I went to bleed the brakes and have not been able to get brake fluid to come out of the bleed points no matter how much pressure on the actuator cylinder. I have not had this problem before. Has anyone had this problem. Neither side will bleed off. And there is brake fluid in the cylinder. Any ideas on how to trouble shoot this will be appreciated. Thanks!

[Bob_C]

Crack the line loose right at the master cylinder, then try.......will let you know if that's the problem...

[twinboat]

The master cylinder piston my be bottomed out. If that's the case, you may need to rebuild or replace it.

Sometimes there is rust deep in the bore, that the piston doesn't reach, except when stroking it fully, during bleeding or a leak.

If the line goes straight in the end of the master cylinder, you may be able to remove the line and stick something in there to feel the piston. Make sure its retracting.

[HGC]

Thanks for your help. Will try the suggestions.

[HGC]

Got another chance to work on the surge brakes of the ez tow. Disconnected the line from the actuator and it worked fine. Bled a little bit of fluid out of it and checked for any object that might hinder the slide mechanism and lubed it with CRC power lube with PTFE. Then, since I looked on their sight, I primed the actuator few times by pressing the actuator and then releasing it by pulling it back to the extended position. Opened up the bleed points one by one and low and behold it worked. Now we are good. Yay! Oh, I also filled it up with brake fluid. I hope this might be of help to others. EZ Tows' sight for the manual is VERY helpful. Good travels to all this summer.

[wa8yxm]

YOu hit on the problem in that you may need to "Pump 'em up"

I have done a lot of brake jobs and you almost always have to Pump Em Up before you can bleed 'em.