Replacing Master Cylinder

[Clutch]

I have to replace my master cylinder on my Buick LeSabre. I need some pointers on how to do it without getting loads of air drawn into the system.

Exact specs are: 93 3.8L, ABS, front disc, rear drum.

My problem is the pedal gets spongy often, most of the time it when I am stopped for a period of time. I don't wanna end up with air in the ABS pump cause than I'm really screwed.

Should I just clamp off the hose with a vise grip or something or is there something else I can do? Do I have to gravity bleed the system after I install the new cylinder?

Thanks in advance.

[defln67]

you cant block off the hoses cuz there metal, so bench bleed the master cylinder before installation, and afterwards blee the combination valve, then bleed the rest of the system. id use a lil hand-held vaccuum pump-thingy, like 10 bucks at advance auto. airs gonna get in there no matter what. (i dont know if you knew this already, but if you didnt "glad to help", and if you did then "sorry, i didnt know how much you knew")

[Clutch]

No, I knew a little of it, like the bench bleeding. That's why I was asking. I've done a million things, but never replaced a MC so I wanted to make sure to do it right.

I'm going to flush the entire system, so any air that gets in there will be cleared out anyway. I'm just worried about it getting into the ABS pump. I heard if it does, it takes a special tool to bleed that or whatever needs to be done to remove the air from the pump. I guess if I don't start the pump I'll be okay, right?

As for the hose, I was talking about the hose that comes out of the side of the reservoir. Should I clamp that one off? What does it lead to exactly and how can I get the old fluid out of there?

I know I should pick up the manual, but no one carries the one that covers my car. Only found the old school RWD LeSabres (wouldn't mind one of those!!!).

EDIT: Where can I find the order to bleed each brake at?