Bleeding Piel Emeraude brakes

[jabberwock48]

Hello
We removed a wheel from our Emeraude for maintenance. Somewhat to our surprise the only way we could replace the wheel over the drum brake shoes was to open the bleed valve and push the pistons in. The pistons would not push in fully unless we did this.
In the course of this some air got in the system. We tried to bleed the air out the other day in the usual manner without any luck. Only a dribble of fluid and air would come out and the starboard brake pedal has no resistance at all.
Any advice welcome -perhaps it is necessary to back fill via the bleed valve under pressure?
John

[tnowak]

Can't help with the specifics of an Emeraude's brake system. However I found the best way to bleed the brake system on my Piper Vagabond was to pump fluid into the system from the bleed valve on the wheel assembly. Works every time for me doing it that way.
Tony Nowak

[Bill McCarthy]

If you have easy access to the bleed nipple, we did exactly the same procedure as above - it naturally pushes the "bubbles" uphill, but watch your reservoir level.

[jabberwock48]

Thanks
Thought that might be the way. We have easy access to bleed nipple - any suggestions as to a suitable implement. Not sure if a ordinary oil can will produce sufficient pressure. High pressure oil cans only seem to be available from US or Hong Kong - I guess the EEC thinks they are too dangerous for us.
John

[tnowak]

I used an ordinary metal "pump" oil can. Was a bit messy but got the fluid into the system okay.
I doubt you need much pressure to squirt the fluid into your system as your brake system shouldn't be under any pressure.
Tony Nowak

[Bill McCarthy]

Use a disposable 20ml syringe.

[Rob Swain]

Use a disposable 20ml syringe.

.
Or a 60 or 100ml. You can probably backfill the entire system without having to refill the syringe (and risk bubbles) then.

I attach the syringe using thin clear pvc hose - basically thin windscreen washer hose. Just fits on the end of the syringe and over the tiny Cleveland bleed nipples on the RV. If it is a bit tight warm the end of the hose up a bit first.

I get syringes from http://www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk/. I find I get fewer looks and questions than buying from chemists, and they keep bigger sizes (like the 100ml). I keep a supply in the workshop - surprising what they come in useful for.