Bleeding '56 Fairlane front brakes

F

Ford Freak

Well-known member
Hey guy's! I recently rebuilt the front drum brakes on my '56 Fairlane, and am about ready to bleed them. I have noticed that the bleeder screw's are very near the spindle. I can get a wrench on the screw, but can't open it much because the clearance is so tight. Is this normal? Are there any tricks to this that I am missing? Been doing brakes for 54 yrs., now but don't recall this problem before. Thanks in advance! - FF
 
A dedicated bleeder wrench may help -

This is front drum? Are the wheel cylinders original FORD or aftermarket replacements?
 

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  • BRAKE BLEEDER WRENCH.jpg
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KULTULZ: In 1976, I purchased several brake bleeder wrenches from Mac Tools that I am still using today. The wheel cylinders are aftermarket, and the bleeder requires a 12 point, 10 mil. wrench! I can get it open, just not very far due to tight quarters. I have not bled them yet, but know from experience it is probably not enough. I will soon find out! I was just wondering if others have experienced this situation. Thanks for your response. FF
 
KULTULZ - Nope. Actually, the wrench I have been using has some offset, but no amount is going to work. I will just have to take a few short swings on it, until I get a steady stream w/no air bubbles. I was just trying to avoid that, though. I wish someone would take & post a pic of theirs to compare mine with. Thanks for the idea! F F
 
I had similar problem with front brakes on my 56 Thunderbird. I found by turning the wheel hard to its stop I was able to gain a little more swing on the wrench. I think it was hard right for left wheel and hard left for right wheel. Hope this works for you.
 
Ken's39er said:
I had similar problem with front brakes on my 56 Thunderbird. I found by turning the wheel hard to its stop I was able to gain a little more swing on the wrench. I think it was hard right for left wheel and hard left for right wheel. Hope this works for you.
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Thanks, I'll try that. I believe the 'Birds have the same spindle & brakes.
Welcome to Ford Barn. Lots of good info on here!:)
 
I was wondering (as I often do), on the CHI-CON replacement cylinders, is the bleeder screw boss on the casting not allowing the bleeder screw to extend out as far as the OEM causing a normal wrench not to be able to fully reach the fitting?

Period FORD and BIRD use the same setup.
 
KULTULZ said:
I was wondering (as I often do), on the CHI-CON replacement cylinders, is the bleeder screw boss on the casting not allowing the bleeder screw to extend out as far as the OEM causing a normal wrench not to be able to fully reach the fitting?

Period FORD and BIRD use the same setup.
Click to expand...

Very possible, KULTULZ. However, I saw a pic on ebay of an original spindle/brake unit from a Fairlane (it was all rusty) and it looked just like mine. I will be bleeding mine in the next couple days, & I will let you know how I make out.
 
Update: I bled the front brakes today. It was limited w/the bleeder wrench, so I had to take two swings to get all the air out. Not a good design IMO, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Anyways, I know what to expect next time! Thanks to all for your input. F F
 
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