Bleeding brakes - easy way!

[Paul Workman]

With the right equipment, bleeding the brakes takes less time to do than it does to remove and reinstall the wheels to access the calipers - more or less.;)

If you're like me, and always dreaded bleeding the brakes (or the clutch too, for that matter), this stuff/method might make it a lot easier for a DIY'er.

Tools:


Automatic fluid reservoir bottle (pictured below - I bought by itself - not as part of a kit per se')
Vacuum pump https://www.amazon.com/HFS-Brake-Bleeder-Vacuum-Tuner/dp/B00NP60URE/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1469881557&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=Braake+bleeder
Speed bleeder valves (Russel #639630 on Amazon) You'll leave them permanently installed, so buy 4.


The installed Russel speed bleeder (check) valves do not leak air around the threads after backing them off of the seat; one of the PIA of the stock valves :mad: which accounts for more air and wasted fluid AND TIME than about anything else.

(Not pictured) is an inexpensive, hand operated vacuum pump attached to a catch bottle used to draw the old fluid and air from the speed bleeder valve.

A Mitivac reservoir bottle (pictured) clamps onto the reservoir(s) and keeps reservoir filled with fresh fluid level so that you don't accidentally suck air into the brake lines (or pump air in if pumping the brake pedal instead of vacuuming the old fluid out).

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/tech%20files/Russel%20639630%20speed%20bleeder%20valves_zpshodp tgcy.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/6PPC_bucket/media/tech%20files/Russel%20639630%20speed%20bleeder%20valves_zpshodp tgcy.jpg.html)


http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/tech%20files/Mitivac%20speed%20bleeder%20bottle_zpsav2kgm64.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/6PPC_bucket/media/tech%20files/Mitivac%20speed%20bleeder%20bottle_zpsav2kgm64.jpg .html)

Oh! Forgot to mention: The front reservoir on the Master Cylinder serves the front brakes, and visa-versa. Good to know. (I had to draw air into my system before I realized that...)

If you are relegated to DIY projects, this stuff makes this (annual for me) chore a breeze! Of course, there are 'many ways to skin a cat', but if this helps anybody...mission accomplished!!

[ZR-1 Franz]

I use this system since many years. It works fine. The other system
which works with pressure doesn't work, because the adaptors for the reservoir
of european cars don't fit tight enough with american cars So it is leaking.
This system is the best solution to do this job, especially im my situation.

Franz

[Jagdpanzer]

Paul,
Excellent write up
Vacuum pump link no worky https://www.amazon.com/kis_CUP_F8F73...E09/1469787857

[Billy Mild]

Does anyone know how to get the BRAKE light off? I think you need to bleed the brakes.

[Mystic ZR-1]

I use an Army surplus blood transfusion machine
to bleed my brakes (no kidding...).Works great!
Easily draws 30" of vacuum and if I ever need an at home
blood transfusion, I'm ready!
Got it at a flea mkt for $20, wife thought I was nuts, she may
have something there...
I use it along with Speed Bleeders.
The sexy blue hoses we're my add, Uncle Sam's hoses
were all dried out.

[Paul Workman]

Paul,
Excellent write up
Vacuum pump link no worky https://www.amazon.com/HFS-Brake-Bleeder-Vacuum-Tuner/dp/B00NP60URE/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1469881557&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=Braake+bleeder

Fixed it...I hope!

Paul

[Paul Workman]

I use an Army surplus blood transfusion machine
to bleed my brakes (no kidding...).Works great!
Easily draws 30" of vacuum and if I ever need an at home
blood transfusion, I'm ready!
Got it at a flea mkt for $20, wife thought I was nuts, she may
have something there...
I use it along with Speed Bleeders.
The sexy blue hoses we're my add, Uncle Sam's hoses
were all dried out.

Transfusion...for your CAR! :p

[Mystic ZR-1]

Paul
Maybe fill one of those glass bottles with the
moonshine you had at BG last year?
That would be a TRANSFUSION!