Do I need to bleed master cylinder if using vacuum?

Do I need to bleed master cylinder if using vacuum?

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Discussion

rcx106

Original Poster:

188 posts

120 months

Thursday 20th November 2014
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The factory manual for my Vitara says to bleed the master cylinder (if it's been disturbed) then bleed the brakes. Then it gives the usual procedure of pumping the pedal while your friend opens the nipple etc. It also gives the order in which to bleed the system, starting at the rear.

Question is this. Do I need to bleed the master cylinder if I'm using a vacuum pump to bleed the system? The manual says that bleeding the master cylinder is to "facilitate" bleeding the brake system which doesn't sound obligatory. Also it says to bleed the master cylinder by putting your finger over the output hole to act as a valve and then depress the pedal. Sounds like regular bleeding to me!

Anyway, I don't have a buddy who can help so I'm hoping this isn't necessary and I can just use my vacuum pump and do it on my own.