Brake master cylinder shot?

[E21kiwi]

I have been fixing up the brakes. Having trouble bleeding. I can pump up a pedal to get the brakes to work but see very small bubbles in the reservoir. Is my master cylinder shot? And does it make a difference if you have the calipers swaped over either side ie nipple at the bottom pointing down.

[whitmontross]

If your brake peddle is going to the ground and you have to pump them to get pressure your master cylinder is probably shot. This just happened to me.

[TobyB]

ummm... yes, the nipples must face up.

If not, you won't be able to bleed 'em and you'll

get the symptom you describe...

t

[c.d.iesel]

....and when judging the pedal travel,

you must always include adjustment of the rear shoes-to the drums for that j u s t skimming touching noise

while hand turning the rear wheels in forward direction - and backing off the adjuster a hair for no-noise while turning

the rims must be mounted tight

or suitable washers under the lug nuts with rims

so the drums are firmly seated on the hubs

Best with the rims mounted

if yer rear shoes are not correct (too loose)

your pedal will NEVER be correctly firm

[E21kiwi]

I'll swap the calipers over and try a re-bleed. Didn't even think to check for left and right calipers-Doh! I'm new to the 2002 and E21's only ever had 2 pot calipers..but I have some volvo 4 pots going on and will be extra vigilant. Thanks for the help

[Biemenstien]

Yes. Listen to c.d.

Check my posting re. brakes in the search, I just went through all of this stuff.

I had the greatest minds on the FAQ chiming with suggestions and comments, really good stuff.