No fluid to right rear brake

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TaylorGoesFast
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My E21(s): 83 320i, 95 325i Spec 3 Race Car
Location: Washington, DC

No fluid to right rear brake

Post by TaylorGoesFast »

Hello all. 1983 320i US spec. This car sat for 30 years and had no brakes at all when I bought it. I've since gotten both fronts and the back left brake getting fluid and mostly bled.

Now the pedal travels 3/4 of the way before you feel any pressure, but then the car brakes normally. I figure it's likely the master cylinder, but I don't want to replace that until I figure out what's going on with the rear right brake not getting any fluid. I've pulled the hard line from the master cylinder and blown compressed air through there. The air makes it to the left right, but not the right rear. I've disconnected the line to that drum and blown air through it, so the blockage must be between the T block and the drum, but I figured I would ask here to make sure what I'm saying makes sense before I get a chance to unhook the block. Where is that anyway? Above the fuel tank?


2011 F150
1995 BMW 325i Spec 3 Race Car
2008 BMW 128i 6 Speed Sport Package
1983 BMW 320i
2005 Kinetic SC
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uwbuurman
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My E21(s): 1978 type 1 323i 5speed dogleg Polaris
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Re: No fluid to right rear brake

Post by uwbuurman »

Well, Taylor, the flex hoses tend to gum up, kind of squeeze tight. So I am pretty sure that if you undo those at the rightside you'll be able to get air through and fluid aswell. If the master cilinder is gone, then it can send rust and other residue through the lines, so be carefull with that. After 30 so years, I reccommend replacing all the flex lines on the brakes, 2 in front 1 at each side, 4 in the back.
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1978 BMW 323i
1980 BMW 528i maior restitutio
1987 BMW 325iA cabriolet
2006 BMW 320d touring High Executive
2015 BMW 320dA touring xDrive High Executive ///Msport
TaylorGoesFast
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 116
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2020 3:53 pm
My E21(s): 83 320i, 95 325i Spec 3 Race Car
Location: Washington, DC

Re: No fluid to right rear brake

Post by TaylorGoesFast »

Thanks!

I replaced the master cylinder and immediately got firm pedal pressure, but still no fluid to the right rear. I disconnected each hose and pressurized them individually to test. I found the soft rubber line from the trailing arm to near the fuel pump was completely sealed shut. I replaced that and all is well.

I'll source new lines and knock them out alongside probably every bushing, perhaps over the winter.
2011 F150
1995 BMW 325i Spec 3 Race Car
2008 BMW 128i 6 Speed Sport Package
1983 BMW 320i
2005 Kinetic SC
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Jeroen
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My E21(s): '81 323i Baur
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Re: No fluid to right rear brake

Post by Jeroen »

All is well....!!!!
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
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