166
THE LAST FEW STEPS…
Your car is almost complete, but before you can drive triumphantly out of the garage (and legally, as far as
the end of your driveway) there are a few important things that need to be done. These are, bleeding the
brakes and preparing the engine for the its first grand firing-up ceremony (it will feel like that, even if you are
doing it on your own).
So, on with bleeding the brakes which cannot be explained with a simple diagram unfortunately:
Assemble the things you’ll need: Brake fluid, both a 10mm and an 11mm spanner, a length of washer
hose (or similar clear plastic hose) and a waster fluid receptacle (some form of used bottle is ideal;
you won’t want to use it again after this)
Find a volunteer. They need to be able to reach and press the brake pedal, plus respond to your
instructions, so whilst a child is fine for this job, someone’s might be more inclined to listen to you.
Fill the brake master cylinder with fresh brake fluid and leave the cap o. BE CAREFUL NOT TO
SPILL ANY ONTO THE PAINTWORK; if you do, wipe it o immediately. Brake fluid will react with the
paintwork causing it to blister and peel.
Starting at the left rear corner, locate the bleed nipple on the caliper. It will have a rubber cap on it.
Remove the cap, remember where you put it, and attach the washer hose to the nipple and put the
other end in the waste bottle. This sometimes needs the hose warming up in a cup of hot water to
allow it to stretch over the nipple.
1
2
3
4
To Next Page
Loading...
