Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Rebuilt master cylinder plus replaced rear axle seals. Adjusted rear shoes. Brake lines fully open. I benched primed the master cylinder. Squirted 1/2 way across the garage. Had a vacuum brake bleeder that I thought I would try. Worked half way...still no brake pedal. I use to have a helper pump three times and hold. Work from farthest wc from master cylinder to the closest wc. Does that work on Packards? Looking for suggestions. I am using Dot 4 fluid

I initially used a vacuum bleeder when I did the brakes on mine. But I was unable to obtain solid brakes with it. It did a great job at getting fluid in all the lines, and I flushed a good amount through.

I went back and did the more traditional way of having a second person pump and hold the brakes. I then closed off the bleeders while they were still holding, once I was sure there were no bubbles. Got really nice brakes after that.

Furthest wheel cylinder from the master first, then work your way back to the MC from there.

-Kevin

I used a pressure bleeder on my 1954 Patrician which flushed and bled perfectly.

I’ve used a pressure bleeder on a more modern foreign car. The bleeder screwed onto the fluid reservoir in place of the cap.
What kind of pressure bleeder do you use on a 48 Packard?

I use a Motive Products pressure bleeder. I got a standard brass fitting for the pump side and machined another brass fitting to seal the master cylinder. Then just connect the two with some extra hose. It works a lot better than vacuum bleeders, those are mostly junk unless you buy very high end equipment meant for shops.

I am not familiar with a 53, does the car have a vacuum booster?

(My 57 does. I did everything like you did. Eventually found it had issues with the booster)