When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
It has been about two years since I rebuilt all 4 of my calipers and my brakes were getting a little soft, so I put my 72 on 4 jack stands, got out my Motive Power bleeder and went to work. After many frustrating hours the brakes are firm again. Lessons learned on Motive Power Bleeder. Use three clamps to evenly hold top plate in place, only put small amount of brake fluid in container to you see if it will hold pressure and not puke brake fluid all over your garage floor. When those conditions are met, release pressure, add more brake fluid, pressurize to about 12 lbs and proceed to bleed in correct sequence. Breath sigh of relief when done and pedal is solid - then cancel for sale ad in Craigslist, life is good again!
pep, I'm a HUGE believer in power bleeders. It's the only sure way to do the job. That being said, I purchased a Motive bleeder as well. Worst piece of crap I ever purchased in the area of automotive tools.
Leaks like a sieve, the factory set up is the poorest quality possible. You are right, clamp the daylights out of it, you might not soak the garage floor.
Been there brother
I agree that pressure bleeding the brake system is the BEST way...but that is my opinion.
I have a pressure bleeder that does not leak ( different make)...if either of you want..I can post photos of the thick plate that goes on top of the master cylinder and how it is attached...so if either of you get adventurous...you can make one so you do not have to hassle with it when you do brake service.
I agree that pressure bleeding the brake system is the BEST way...but that is my opinion.
I have a pressure bleeder that does not leak ( different make)...if either of you want..I can post photos of the thick plate that goes on top of the master cylinder and how it is attached...so if either of you get adventurous...you can make one so you do not have to hassle with it when you do brake service.
DUB
Similar. Here is my setup, I don't add fluid with pressure, but I can easily remove the plate add fluid and continue with pressure bleeding.
pep, I'm a HUGE believer in power bleeders. It's the only sure way to do the job. That being said, I purchased a Motive bleeder as well. Worst piece of crap I ever purchased in the area of automotive tools.
Leaks like a sieve, the factory set up is the poorest quality possible. You are right, clamp the daylights out of it, you might not soak the garage floor.
Been there brother
The first one I had leaked, but a "friend" never returned it.
My new one, no issues. They seemed to have resolved some quality issues.
I agree that pressure bleeding the brake system is the BEST way...but that is my opinion.
I have a pressure bleeder that does not leak ( different make)...if either of you want..I can post photos of the thick plate that goes on top of the master cylinder and how it is attached...so if either of you get adventurous...you can make one so you do not have to hassle with it when you do brake service.
I gravity bleed my brakes for a day to two, and then I used Mity Vac to pull fluid to each caliper. Quite easy, with no problem. That was with NEW master cylinder, tubing and overhauled brakes...so I really never understand why people have this problem bleeding brakes on these cars. Besides the mushy feel of a power brakes on this car, the pedal is firm and stops the car very well.
The first Motive bleeder I used had a plastic plate. The owner had used two pieces of metal to stiffen it and used a C clamp as pictured previously. When I ordered mine it cam with an aluminum plate and I also used a clamp. I have no problems with leaks. I still put a wad of shop rags under it and watch carefully as I build pressure.
I forget to take photos..I will do it tomorrow for what it is worth.
Of all the cars brakes I've bleed in my life I've never had a problem doing them the old fashion way with a brake pedal helper.
"We don't need no stinking power bleeder"
Unless you are working by yourself...like I am. I bought my pressure bleeder so if I am at the shop late at night and no one is around..I do not have to stop. And I have made adapters so I can bleed out a hydraulic clutch systems also by myself. I have gotten so used to not to have to stop and refill the master cylinder..I just hook up the tool and let it do its thing.
And knowing that this is not the C4 section..but the brake lines for an ABS unit are not like that of a C3...so...for me a pressure bleeder is the only way to do that.
I do agree that having to have a pressure bleeder is NOT a must. But I can pretty much guarantee you that those that have pressure bleeder would never want do it the other way(s).
SO if I read this correctly...you are pressurizing the system with air??? and not forcing fluid under pressure through the system?
DUB
Yes just connected to my air compressor and set for 15-20 PSI,
I have a 5 foot clear tube I connect to the bleeder then bleed until I get 3 full bleeds through the tubing. Then I remove the plate and fill the MC again.
If you push air into the master cylinder then I follow this procedure to remove air from the MC without blench bleeding.
Unless you are working by yourself...like I am. I bought my pressure bleeder so if I am at the shop late at night and no one is around..I do not have to stop. And I have made adapters so I can bleed out a hydraulic clutch systems also by myself. I have gotten so used to not to have to stop and refill the master cylinder..I just hook up the tool and let it do its thing.
And knowing that this is not the C4 section..but the brake lines for an ABS unit are not like that of a C3...so...for me a pressure bleeder is the only way to do that.
I do agree that having to have a pressure bleeder is NOT a must. But I can pretty much guarantee you that those that have pressure bleeder would never want do it the other way(s).
DUB
I get that DUB. I'd probably have one if I worked on cars for a living. I've just never had any problems doing it the old fashion way on many cars starting with my first car, an MGB (which I actually learned how to bleed at 16 because the clutch was hydraulic and I'd have to bleed it often).
When I changed all the calipers on my Vette 15 years ago and flushed out all the lines It only took a couple of hours to bleed all 4 corners with my friend and to this day I have a rock solid pedal.
I think the biggest problem people have is opening the bleeder too much. Even if you can't see the air entering at the bleeder it will enter around the threads of the bleeder if opened too far. When I bleed I have my helper push the pedal slightly before opening the bleeder to put a little pressure in the line. I then open the bleeder and have my helper push all the way.
I get that DUB. I'd probably have one if I worked on cars for a living. I've just never had any problems doing it the old fashion way on many cars starting with my first car, an MGB (which I actually learned how to bleed at 16 because the clutch was hydraulic and I'd have to bleed it often).
When I changed all the calipers on my Vette 15 years ago and flushed out all the lines It only took a couple of hours to bleed all 4 corners with my friend and to this day I have a rock solid pedal.
I think the biggest problem people have is opening the bleeder too much. Even if you can't see the air entering at the bleeder it will enter around the threads of the bleeder if opened too far. When I bleed I have my helper push the pedal slightly before opening the bleeder to put a little pressure in the line. I then open the bleeder and have my helper push all the way.
I used to do it the way you did it with a helper...but got tired of it as previously mentioned. Even when I had a crew of guys...I preferred that they stayed on task and I did not have to pull them off a project.
11-17-2017, 04:33 PM
Did the Dreaded brake bleeding
Similar. Here is my setup, I don't add fluid with pressure, but I can easily remove the plate add fluid and continue with pressure bleeding. 
I'd probably have one if I worked on cars for a living. I've just never had any problems doing it the old fashion way on many cars starting with my first car, an MGB (which I actually learned how to bleed at 16 because the clutch was hydraulic and I'd have to bleed it often). 
