Ok, so, I changed pads in the ol' truck today but because the pads were almost metal on metal (yeah, I know...) I had to drain the caliper to get the new pads to fit. Now, it has no pedal pressure at all. Hard to believe that draining one side would have this result. Anyway, have to get it back up and running tomorrow.

I need brake fluid, some washers on the supply to the caliper and what? Can you manully bleed this setup with one person?

Let me know.

Thanks in advance.
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first the caliper pistons should have been compressed into the caliper housing, a c-clamp pressing on one of your old pads works well, do this with you master cylinder cover off and any overfill you did because of worn pads will show up at the master, do it slowly and remove overfill as needed, no reason to open the bleeder. secondly, yes you can bleed the system by your self but it requires the use of a vaccum source, I use a mighty vac hand tool, just hook it to the bleeder, open the bleeder and pump the tool and it sucks the brake fluid and air from the master to the caliper through the bleeder to the canister of the tool, works slick. hope this helps ya out.

 

yeah you would loose your pedal by draining one side, but to do it by yourself is gonna be a bear. you need something to push the pedal and hold it dowm while you open the bleeder let the air out and close before you release the pedal and repeat til you get your pedal back.

 

Or if you have time you can gravity bleed the brakes. But i use my Mityvac too.
Here is another way. get an old water bottle, 4' hose that fits the bleeder and do this.
cut the top of the bottle so the hose just fits in. fill it about 1/4 with brake fluid. hook it to the bleeder, crack the bleeder and slowly pump the brake peddle until no bubbles come out. Tighten the bleeder remove the hose repeat on other side and your done.

 

I have a PELLA hand pump would that work as a vac source?

 

I always get someone in the cab to push the brake peddle while I bleed it down

also an excellent chance to bleed all the old fluid out and get some new stuff in there

braske fluid is prolly the most neglected fluid in yer truck......seems everyone just lets it ride

notice the color of new fluid vs. the old

 

Well i did it myself. You are plenty rightt here Whit - that fluid is really gross!