Brake bleeding tool

agamble

Junior Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2010
Posts
35
Reaction score
0
Location
western pa
I want to get a brake bleeding tool. Tell me what you use, how you like it, where you got it and how much it cost. I'm open to all suggestions but I am looking for something simple, durable and effective, cost isn't much of an issue. Thanks!
 

Norm Peterson

corner barstool sitter
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Posts
3,615
Reaction score
326
Location
RIP - You will be missed
Length of clear hose
Transparent container
Available warm body with at least one functional leg

I usually do a gravity bleed first, one corner at a time.


ABS-related tip: if you're replacing pads, when you push the pistons back into the calipers, use the hose and container and open the bleeders. Can't think of a good reason to chase any of the dirtiest fluid in the system back up into the ABS unit.


Norm
 

jodadejss06gt

TEAM DELETE SHIT
Joined
Apr 19, 2010
Posts
3,986
Reaction score
10
Location
Severn MD
hey sometimes you have to use your hand as well as your foot. Bike bleeding of the left front caliper can be hard when your pressed up against the fairing to squeese the handle and opening the bleeder at the same time.
 

agamble

Junior Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2010
Posts
35
Reaction score
0
Location
western pa
I have used the foot method many times. It is quick, effective,cheap and easy but I don't have any local buddies to pump the pedal for me while I spin the wrenches. Thats why I need a tool. Thanks!
 

Norm Peterson

corner barstool sitter
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Posts
3,615
Reaction score
326
Location
RIP - You will be missed
I have used the foot method many times. It is quick, effective,cheap and easy but I don't have any local buddies to pump the pedal for me while I spin the wrenches.
Anybody - especially anybody who might have a vested interest in your car having safe brakes - who can follow simple directions will do. My wife, our children once they hit their teens, and sometimes their friends or fiancees have at one time or another all worked the pedal while I wrenched down at the wheels. Oldest grandkid probably could today if I needed that kind of help and nobody else was available.


Thats why I need a tool.
Naahh . . . too easy.


Norm
 

argonaut

Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2010
Posts
57
Reaction score
0
Last year I splurged for a Motive Power Bleeder. I've done two person and then speed bleeders for years but as I get older I'm getting lazier. With the power bleeder you just top up the MC, pump up the pressure and then bleed away - no need to jump in and out of the car. Pricey but damn it works well.
 

pcdrj

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2007
Posts
821
Reaction score
5
Location
Bucks County, PA
Motive Bleeder. Be careful though, I've had mine spring a leak at the cap and pump fluid all over.
 

Ignatowski

Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2010
Posts
185
Reaction score
0
Location
Northern Virginia
Motive Bleeder. Be careful though, I've had mine spring a leak at the cap and pump fluid all over.


I had the same thing happen to mine.
I emailed them and was honest that I had it for about 2 years or so and they shipped me a brand new container! Great customer service:clap:
 

VTXFrank

Obama SUCKS!
Joined
Sep 29, 2010
Posts
8,217
Reaction score
72
Location
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
I've used speed bleeders on all my motorcycles. I'll get them for the Mustang once I know for sure someone has them for the 2011's. Until then, I'll use my compressor and Harbor Freight bleeder as linked above. If using the compressor type tools, make damned sure you've got at least a basic in-line desiccant-dryer-filter.
 

Chim-Chim

Will drive for food
Joined
Feb 19, 2010
Posts
160
Reaction score
0
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA
Just pony up for the Motive pressure bleeder now and save yourself some hassle. I've used the Speedbleeders and they were OK, but you have to reseal the threads every so often to keep them from leaking air into the system.

A better option is the Earl's solo-bleeders. Same concept as the Speedbleeders, but they use a spring loaded plunger that actually seals against the hard line between pumps to prevent air from leaking in, instead of thread sealant.

All that said, I could never get as good a pedal with either compared to enlisting my wife's foot, so cobbled together my own "test version" of the Motive pump one weekend using a Home Depot bug sprayer. It works the same as the Motive, but in hindsight I would have just bought the Motive for an extra $20 and avoided the time/hassle.

The pressure bleeding gives results as good as the foot method, and it now takes longer to get the car on stands and remove the wheels than the actual bleeding process. I also don't fill the pressure bleeder with brake fluid, but instead just top off the master cylinder and use the pressure bleeder to simply pressurize the system. Makes for much easier cleanup. Just keep an eye on the fluid level of the master cylinder...
 

Grip

Fast Addict
Joined
Jan 5, 2010
Posts
150
Reaction score
0
Location
Fort Bragg, NC
Just pony up for the Motive pressure bleeder now and save yourself some hassle. I've used the Speedbleeders and they were OK, but you have to reseal the threads every so often to keep them from leaking air into the system.

A better option is the Earl's solo-bleeders. Same concept as the Speedbleeders, but they use a spring loaded plunger that actually seals against the hard line between pumps to prevent air from leaking in, instead of thread sealant.

All that said, I could never get as good a pedal with either compared to enlisting my wife's foot, so cobbled together my own "test version" of the Motive pump one weekend using a Home Depot bug sprayer. It works the same as the Motive, but in hindsight I would have just bought the Motive for an extra $20 and avoided the time/hassle.

The pressure bleeding gives results as good as the foot method, and it now takes longer to get the car on stands and remove the wheels than the actual bleeding process. I also don't fill the pressure bleeder with brake fluid, but instead just top off the master cylinder and use the pressure bleeder to simply pressurize the system. Makes for much easier cleanup. Just keep an eye on the fluid level of the master cylinder...

...and with that...I'm sold. I've been on the fence about one of these for a MINUTE.
 
Back
Top