Sorry if this has been discussed, I couldn’t find any info for this particular issue. I was having intermittent brake problems for the last few months. I ordered a treadle vac rebuild kit. When I cracked the treadle vac open, the whole thing was filled with brown brake fluid. After scrubbing and rebuilding it, I got it back in the car, but I can’t get it to build any pressure and the brakes won’t bleed. It’s almost like the system is dry, which it isn’t.The two vacuum lines are connected correctly, but still no dice. Has anybody else had this problem? How did you overcome it?

 

I used one of these on my 54. It pushes fluid from the wheel cylinder back to the master cylinder. It worked great and I don't understand why more people don't use them.

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Oh awesome! I bought a vacuum break bleeder, but it would not suck any fluid out of the lines. Maybe this is exactly what I need. Thanks. I’ll let you know how it works.

 

One word of caution is do not fill your master cylinder to the top or it will overflow when you start pumping fluid back into it.

 

Have you replaced the brake lines on this rebuild? Sometimes the inside of the line deteriorates and closes off the flow of fluid..... Tedd

 

Good point Tedd. I have seen them act like a check valve where fluid will only flow one way. I had a 72 Culass and the left from hose would let fluid through to the wheel but would not let it flow back. It would lock the wheel up as soon as you applied the brakes. Like to have driven me nuts until I figured it out.

 

Thanks for the good info guys. I might as well replace the lines while I'm screwing with stuff. I'll keep you updated as I progress.