96 Grand AM - Can't get air out of brake lines

[Edintexas]

I just put new rear brake shoes on my 96 Grand AM with ABS and rear drums. Both rear brake cylinders were leaking so I replaced them.
I followed the shop manual procedure to the letter for bleeding the system but I just can't get the air out of the left rear brake cylinder. I must have run a quart and a half through it but I still get air out. I checked the new cylinder for leaks or a stuck piston but it's dry as a bone and both pistons move freely when the brake peddle is applied. Finally gave up after it got dark.
Anybody have an idea about what's going on?

[jvmrn]

When you bleed the brakes your supposed to start on the brake that is furthest away from the master cylinder. Im not sure if you did this. just wondering. Also you should bleed the front brakes even though you did not do any work on them it is still possible to get air in the fronts aswell. are you bleeding the brakes manually or with a brake bleeder kit? I hope this helps.

[jimraelee]

Originally Posted by Edintexas

I just put new rear brake shoes on my 96 Grand AM with ABS and rear drums. Both rear brake cylinders were leaking so I replaced them.

snip snip snip

Anybody have an idea about what's going on?

Ok a few things of note... how are you bleeding the system? when I have a troubled system I get second person.. person a sits in car and pushes down on the pedal, i then open the line. Close the line then call out for them to let up on the pedal. Call out for them to push down, then you open the bleeder screw. Crack it slowly to ensure you dont get the presure spray out the fitting, this can fake you out that there is air in the system... You contol the open and closeing of the bleeder and when they let up on the pedal... ONLY do 4-6 pumps before checking the brake fluid level...dont want to run dry and then suck more air...

Hope this helps

[Knifeblade]

I add to that, basic process for bleeding air out.

1] get a piece of clear [see-through] plastic hose that fits over the bleed-screw nipple.


2] insert one end on bleed-valve, other end in clear glass jar having some clear/clean brake fluid in it.That should show the air being bled out, and prevent air from sucking back in.

3] proportion valve, what fun. any one brake bleed needs to have all brakes bled. pro. valve will air-up other brakes once one is opened.