Replaced the brake junction block on my 1980 242, enjoying the manual dexterity test of working the 8 lines in small spaces off and then back on again. Next came the bleeding sequence. A friend, a Volvo tech of more than 40 years experience joined me for the party. It was entertaining to discuss the various theories and practices of bleeding the 240 non-ABS brake system. My friend, the wise and knowledgeable experienced tech, went the conventional route, starting at right-rear, left rear, right front etc. I advised him that I had always gone with the sequence recommended in the Bentley manual of left rear, left front upper, right front upper etc. Both seemed to work. Then we chuckled a bit when we referenced the Volvo factory green book, which starts the whole shebang at the left front caliper. Seems like bleeding 240 non-ABS brakes involves a bit of theology and faith, as well as engineering and mechanics.

Least common denominator among us needs a set procedure, not an explanation. I think bleeding sequence is not important, but some new fluid is conserved by starting at the rear if any air has entered at the master.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Did the reservoir bleed out?

No, reservoir did not bleed out, and really no problems at all. Brakes work fine. We were just chuckling at the wide variety of authoritative recommendations on "correct" bleeding sequence you can find from established and responsible sources.

Didja use a Motive or like power pressure bleeder and flush in new DOT-4 fluid?

Read my post about using the Motive power bleeder, yet on my 1992 ABS 240:

https://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo/1662538/220/240/260/280/new_pads_resurface_rotors_hows_brake_fluid_black.html

Gravity and using the brake pedal to flush out delivers very poor results.

No need to bench bleed the brake master cylinder using the push-flush method as with using a Motive power pressure bleeder.

Volvo 240 NOT-ABS brake bleed diagram. What I use with the Motive brand power pressure bleeder. The diagram is from the Haynes 240 service manual. Same as is in my 1997 imprint Haynes 240 service manual imprint on the same page of 3-11.

However, I have had to perform usually at least two bleed rounds and needed like a 32-ounce container of DOT-4 and maybe a pint DOT-4 container to get to a hard brake pedal without fade so long as the BMC is in good condition.

I won't use suggested brake bleed order that groups bleed order by brake caliper on non ABS 240. Segregating the bleed order by the two hydraulic brake circuit gives good results!

The Walmart SuperTech brand DOT-4 is perfect.

Hope that helps.


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Beh.

Appreciate the guidance. To highlight, we did NOT have any problems with bleeding, and all worked fine. Used a Motive, and fresh DOT-4, flushing through substantially, in the sequence shown in your diagram and also in the Bentley manual..

We were both amused, however, that there are at least 3 supposedly authoritative recommendations for bleeding sequence, and that they are so substantially different from each other.

I had the Bentley manual yet it was left behind by me or light-fingered louie'd while helping a guy and his I guess 1986.

What does the Bentley manual show in a diagram? I though Bentley, Haynes, and the factory green all show the same order in perpetuity for non-ABS 240 and the dual brake circuit.

The 1974 Haynes Volvo 142, 144 & 145 manual shows the same as the 1997 Haynes 240 not ABS manual image. Also, each model year of the Volvo 164 factory service green manuals shows the same.

http://www.240.se/litteratur/instbok.htm

At any rate, glad you folks got it done!

Some research on my part. My 1991 240 not ABS sedan is coming due for a brakes and brake fluid flush this year.

Volvo TP11405 groups the bleeding order by caliper. I've not had the greatest success doing this.
http://www.240.se/litteratur/tp11405_4.pdf

Each time it appeared to be a waste or new brake fluid doing it by caliper.

Also, with the extra bleeders open at either front caliper, you have to crank up the pressure to like 40-60 PSI? The cheapo vinyl line between the Motive pressure flusher I have burst at like 20 PSI near the Motive yet luckily I was done bleeding brake my my 1990 red 245 wagon.

Schnucks grocery brand Saint Louis style pizza is the best! With Anchovies!
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Beh.