Hi folks...the Bendix master cylinder on my '79 Malibu developed a leak some time back. I've kept an eye on the fluid level which hasn't shown to drop much at all over long periods of time. I got tired of the fluid running down the firewall and taking the paint off, so I searched out a new mastery cylinder. This time I wanted something styled like the stock/factory plastic tank piece. I found that OPGI was now making reproduction/new master cylinders for my factory manual brake application, so I ordered one. It just came in today.

My question has to do with the replacement/bleeding process. I know about bench bleeding the master cylinder before installing it. But, what about when it's bolted up. I know there will be some air in the system just at the master cylinder line connections. Am I forced to bleed fluid the whole way through the system, or can it somehow be bled where you force fluid back from the wheel cylinders?

Being I work alone 90% of the time, when bleeding the brakes I find gravity bleeding works well, just time consuming.

Looking for the easiest way to bleed the air out of the system. I have used the pedal pump/crack the bleeder method many times, just would have to round up someone to help with the process.

Never replaced a master cylinder on a working system...I originally did this whole brake system when I restored the car many years ago and bled it from new/dry.

You will get some air in the system, so you will need to bleed all 4 wheels. I did it on my -69 a while ago, using speed bleeders (they have them at most parts stores). I did it myself in about 20-30 minutes, starting with an entirely drained system and it was a totally painless process.

Olle's right...the speed bleaders work pretty good but you have to start at the wheel farthest from the MC...right rear...then left rear...then right front...and finally left front.
Keep checking the fluid level in the MC while you're doing the bleeding, too.

Bench bleed the master first. You will still get a little air in the system at the lines, but it will be easy to push this out.