Panther Sport Aircraft Forums

Thanks for the info guys! I’m getting about 1/2 inch of travel, I was just wondering if that was normal or not. I used Dans method of pumping the fluid from the bleeder valve to the reservoir, took 5 minutes.

One thing I did not mention. Fill the first side to 1/2 the reservoir, so there is room to push plenty of fluid up the other side. I did not think of that the first time I did this and had some not nice things to say to myself afterwards.

Dan H.

Thanks all! I’ve got the same tank that PlaneDan referenced and it worked like a charm on the right brake.

I think I’m introducing air somehow on the left side. I’ll try it without the vacuum per Dan’s suggestion and report back. I also think that I might be using too much pressure from the bottom. I’m going to try less pressure and let it bleed at a slower rate.

I agree with Dan that the 1/8” lines are much easier than 1/4” that Vans uses. My right brake took one try and less than five minutes from start to finish.

I used Dan's method whenever I need to bleed brake lines. The only difference, I've started using a small/medium sized syringe with a short plastic hose to connect it to the bleed valve. Once bleed, the brake on the Panther work very well.

Eric Muehlberg
Panther LS, S/N 011, N11PX

I used Dan’s method. Worked great. Didn’t have the squirt can, so bought a$7 small pump up sprayer at Lowe’s. Worked great. Have loaned to friends who have used it on multiple systems with good results. Pressure from bottom of system vs vacuum is the trick.

Keith
I would suggest not using the Vacuum bleeder. It will tend to draw air into the system typically around the bleeder fitting. Pressure bleed from the bottom. We use a trigger type oil "squirt can" with a hose attached. Open the bleeder at least half a turn. and fill system. The small 1/8th inch lines supplied with the Matcos bleeds really easily. usually by the time we have the fluid up the line to the reservoir the system is perfectly bleed.

Dan

1/2" or less is what I feel in both. Seems like you definitely have air in the lines. Are you using the 1/8" or 1/4" lines?

I used a HYDRAULIC BRAKE BLEEDER TANK from AS.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... 20Products

If you choose to use this tool, you will most likely have to change out the bleeder valves to match the angle of the fitting on the tool. I got some from the Auto store and really made a mess. With the right bleeder valves, this tool turns this awful task into "child's play" and no vacuum is needed, unless you need to evacuate the lines. I think the bleeder valves that AS sells will work and I got them after making the mess, and have not checked them out yet.

I’m working on this right now and my right pedal moves less than a 1/2” and is very firm. My left pedal has been a challenge and moves over an inch and still feels soft. I tried rebuilding the left master cylinder after seeing some bubbles coming out of the area where the shaft moves in and out of the body. The rebuild eliminated the bubbles, but the pedal is still soft. I’m using a good pump to push the fluid from the bottom and a vacuum at the top. I’m going to try a better vacuum system so that I can move more fluid through to see if that clears the system of air bubbles.

How much travel are you guys getting with your brake pedals?