Front Drum Brakes

[lojim]

Ok so I wanted to bleed the front brakes on both the Rancher and the Recon.

I am not an idiot when it comes to brakes, but it was the first time on both of these quads. I am using a vacuum pump to bleed.

1) Remove dust cap on bleeder valve (at front wheel)
2) Attach vacuum pump and pump a couple times
3) Remove dirt and dust from master cylinder cap & remove (including diaphragm).
4) Crack open the bleeder valve 1/4 turn and watch fluid level in the master cylinder. Add more fluid as needed (paying attention to NOT let the master cylinder drain completely).
5) Close the bleeder valve.
6) Repeat on other wheel.
7) Compress brake handle - pressure should be there (if not repeat process).

Now here is the thing. I did all those steps. I did them all so many times that I was not getting ANY air out of any lines. I am still not getting any pressure on the brake handle. If I pump the handle repeatedly, it gains pressure. I adjusted the shoes in the drum - so I know it's not that. And I'm getting the same problem on BOTH machines so I know it can't be something like a bad part.

HELP PLEASE!!

[krawler97]

Well, you don't have to use a vacuum pump, since you are, make sure there is enough fluid in it and there is no air getting inside that. I personally just open the bleeder valve squeeze the brake handle/brake pedal, place a finger over the bleeder valve and then let go of the brake. Do this a couple times then tighten your valve and check for pressure. Repeat process until you have pressure on your pedal/lever. Need 2 people normally for this though. Also, make sure your bleeder is not too lose or air can seep through that (I'm sure you know this). If you have disc brakes (I know your title says drum brake) make sure your calipers are on the right side (bleeder valve on top of the caliper) if you put the right on the left/vise-versa the bleeder valve will be on the bottom and the cylinders can't build up pressure (just a little extra useless info, lol) Hope this might help. There is a ton of other stuff you could check but you said this is happening to both of your machines so I would have to say your pump is not working properly or maybe it's not user friendly ;D, so try my method, just get Jess to squeeze the brakes while you bleed the lines. Good luck Jim