Like many cars that use compensators to prevent lockup of the rear brakes under hard braking, the Fiat 124 Spider and Alfa Romeo 164 rear brakes must be bled with the rear axle supported. Otherwise, the compensator valve will fully close, and no fluid will be allowed to flow to the rear brakes. On the 124, jack the rear of the car at the differential pumpkin. You can use a block of wood in between the jack and pumpkin to prevent damage. Place the jackstands as far outboard as possible on the rear axle tubes. Bleed the brakes farthest to closest (i.e. RR, LR, RF, LF) from the master cylinder. On the 164, jack the rear of the car on the rear suspension crossmember. Place jackstands under the lower knuckle that holds the axle and hub. Bleed the brakes farthest to closest (RR, LR, RF, LF). Alternatively, if you choose, you can bleed the brakes with the car fully on the ground. Though, using this method, access is tricky and it takes nearly as long as jacking the car in the first place. Only get under a car that has been supported with jackstands; a jack alone is only meant to lift and can fail if holding a car up by itself. |
