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View Full Version : Need help with 33 Hot Rod Spongy Brake problem



Vinny33
04-08-2026, 08:16 PM
:eek:Old/New Member

I haven’t been on here since I finished my 33 Hot Rod build in 2018/19. Apparently a lot has changed regarding technical support. I called a couple of days ago and got a recorded message. I left my name and phone number and never got a call back, so I thought I’d give the forum a try.

narly1
04-08-2026, 10:36 PM
Others will chime in but for me getting all the air out was what it took to get good firm brakes. In the end I used both back bleeding and conventional forward bleeding into a fluid filled container and observing that there were ZERO bubbles.

Earl

Just 1 More
04-09-2026, 11:48 AM
I second what narly said.. it took me a lot of bleeding both with a phoenixsystem (over priced) bleeder kit and the help of a neighbor with a strong leg. It took bleeding, driving the car, bleeding, driving the car but eventually I got good firm breaks.

Vinny33
04-09-2026, 03:08 PM
I have bled them several times and even changed the bleeders. They seem to improve slightly, but they get spongey after a short time. I should also mention that I have the Wildwood discs on the from and the Ford discs that came with the Cobra rear end on the rear. I'm not sure if that makes a difference? I also learned that there a two different chrome firewall mounted brake fluid reservoirs. One has a tank 2 inches deep and the other is 3 inches deep. I have the 2 inch deep reservoirs. Again I'm not sure if they may also make a difference and/or why there are reservoirs with different capacities ? I have bled brakes over the years on many different vehicles and have never needed the specialized tools that you mentioned. Any idea why this vehicle is so finicky
?

I appreciate any comments.

Thanks in advance,
Vinny

narly1
04-09-2026, 03:19 PM
Maybe unrelated but I just gave away the reservoir that came with my kit to a fellow FFR'er as his was leaking around the bottom.

Apparently the bottom is welded into the tubular body.

I'm using an aftermarket 1-piece billet one.

Earl