Brakes bleeding procedure

[tippee]

Just replaced the brake booster, main vacuum hose (& no vacuum leaks traced in the system) overhauled the vacuum pump, replaced all brake hoses and caliper kits on all wheels, and bled the system through the calipers. After which, I tested the car, it has very little braking power. Still old problem... when the brake pedal is depressed the feel of travel is normal however it has below normal stopping power. When it is depressed consecutive times, the pedal gets stiffer and stopping power is further reduced. Can it be that bleeding was not sufficient? If so, what is the right procedure for this?
The only thing that was not replaced is the brake master cylinder... can this be the cause??? Brake master has no visible leaks even when the brake booster was replaced.
Pls help me with this... Thanks for your insights.
- Tippee
84 300TDT

[speedy300Dturbo]

Make sure that BOTH chambers in the brake fluid reservoir are filled up. The front one needs to be filled up to the very max and then it will overflow and begin to fill up the rear chamber.

[rwthomas1]

Still old problem... when the brake pedal is depressed the feel of travel is normal however it has below normal stopping power. When it is depressed consecutive times, the pedal gets stiffer and stopping power is further reduced.

This statement leads me to believe the brakes are bled correctly but something is wrong with the power assist. If you had air in the lines you would have little braking power but the pedal would also go easily to the floor. I would take a closer look at the booster and the master cylinder. Either you are getting no assist and this makes the brakes feel hard or there is an obstruction in the master cylinder that is restricting its travel. Good luck, RT

[jbaj007]

Check your vacuum level to the booster with your MightyVac to be sure the vacuum pump is producing and the line is not occluded.