Rear brake bleeding struggles

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Chris64

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Yours shouldn't have a button. I'd buy a centering tool, unplug the harness from the brake warning light,unscrew the brake warning light. Look at the end of the warning light switch that little Plunger drops into a groove in the shuttle to turn the light off. You should be able to get the shuttle to center by pumping the brake pedal,then opening a front bleeder while holding pressure on the pedal,I've heard of people using a small screwdriver to move the shuttle to center. I've never tried. I believe the threads on the switch are 1/2 x 20 to improvise a centering tool I'd drill the end of a 1/2 x 20 bolt a stick a piece of a nail in the drilled hole. Look on line for a centering tool,a pic and it will make sense.
I think that's a button on the left (it pushes like a button). The plug is in there very tight. At this point I still haven't been able to remove it. This pic makes it look easy to access. The pic lies.

So Am I correct: I need to figure out how to unplug wire, unscrew it and then use a pick or something to recenter it and then use the holder tool to bleed everything?

I'll acquire a holder tool as that sounds like it's required.
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Ricko1966

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I think that's a button on the left (it pushes like a button). The plug is in there very tight. At this point I still haven't been able to remove it. This pic makes it look easy to access.

So Am I correct: I need to figure out how to unplug wire, unscrew it and then use a pick or something to recenter it and then use the holder tool to bleed everything?

I'll acquire a holder tool as that sounds like it's required.
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That's not a button it's a rubber dust cap that seals the valve, don't eff with it,you can't get a new one.And I'd try centering the valve with the pedal first, pump it 3 or 4 times then push and hold while somebody opens right front bleeder. If that doesn't do it,then try centering the shuttle with a small screw driver. Yes you unplug the wire from the switch,unscrew the switch,screw in the centering tool and bleed the brakes.
 
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Chris64

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That's not a button it's a rubber dust cap that seals the valve, don't eff with it,you can't get a new one.And I'd try centering the valve with the pedal first, pump it 3 or 4 times then push and hold while somebody opens right front bleeder. If that doesn't do it,then try centering the shuttle with a small screw driver. Yes you unplug the wire from the switch,unscrew the switch,screw in the centering tool and bleed the brakes.
Here's where I'm lost - If I can get it centered now, can I bleed the rear without the tool?
 

Ricko1966

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Here's where I'm lost - If I can get it centered now, can I bleed the rear without the tool?
If you get it centered if no one touches the pedal again, you can vacuum bleed them. If you try to two man bleed them without the centering tool, I don't see you successfully doing it. As for gravity bleeding them IDK,that's a flip of the coin depending on whether you have residual pressure valves either in the master cylinder or combination valve,the standoff valve may prevent it also.
 

Chris64

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OK, nothing is easy.

I got my holder tool tonight so naturally I had to go out in the dark and give it a whirl.

The switch came out fine but the tool wouldn't fit. A line ran behind it that kept it from lining up with the threads so I had to whittle it down a little.

Before
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After
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and now it fit

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You can see that tube that was blocking it above. I had to take pictures to see any of this.

So while it was off I stuck a test light tip and did some feeling around. It felt centered. I could feel a flat space in the middle and a 45~ degree ramp up to each side. I tried moving it and it didn't want to budge either way.

I was thinking, maybe it only moves under pressure and then moves back (who knows?)

Anyway, so back to vacuuming a rear line. No luck after about 5 minutes.

I guess my next step will be either the line out of this proportional valve or the junction about half way back.

Just thought I would post my latest and document my suffering ;). I'm kidding. This stuff can be fun and I've always dreaded bleeding brakes. When I get this fixed I will be very happy.
 

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