Brakes: Well that didn't last. Pedal started getting squishy again fairly quickly. All I can say is RTFM! First, I found this on eBay, of all places, I think in reference to a GN:
- "The spring loaded plunger on the front of the proportioning valve should be depressed while bleeding the system. . A "C" clamp or piece of wire and chunk of wood can be used to hold the plunger while bleeding the brakes."
Then I decided maybe I should check the shop manual... who would have thought there would be anything special about this task...
- "Disc brake equipped vehicles except H [Electra is C] require a manual over-ride of the front brake metering valve to permit flow to the front brakes. This is done by depressing the pin, under the rubber boot on the front end of the combination valve..."
OK... Once again, and following the directions this time, and was able to bleed they system properly. But... there was more than one issue. Now I had a good firm pedal, but it still felt like the pads were not gripping well. I knew the drums, rotors, shoes, and pads were all new, and had all been thoroughly degreased with brake cleaner before assembly. I knew nothing was leaking, so the surfaces could not be wet with brake fluid or the friction material soaked with it. The only other answer was the friction material itself. Shoes, I don't remember, but the pads were semi-metallic. Well, it seems Helen doesn't like those. In fact, organic is the recommended replacement material according to PartsAmerica. For $16.99 I could afford to give it a try. Pads are easy to swap out anyway.
You guessed it. Braking is *way* improved and the firm pedal is proof that following the manual is always a good idea. I didn't try any panic stops, since I want the pads to wear in a bit first. But I can feel the difference easily enough already. The brakes feel confident again. Keeping fingers crossed that this time I really have it licked!
