Motive brake bleeder
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
Motive brake bleeder
I rebuilt my calipers (O-Rings) and replaced my Master Cylinder back in early spring. Tried everything to get a decent pedal, but wasn't too successful. Only had a soft pedal about half way to the floor. So, the car sat and hasn't been driven because of that. I finally decided to get the Motive Bleeder like everyone here told me to do. Well, If you're one of those guys who doesn't have one, then I strongly suggest you go online and order one right away. It is an awesome tool that should be in everyone's garage who owns a Corvette. If I had seen one in action, I'd have purchased one many years ago. My brake pedal is now rock hard firm and works at the top like it did back when I got the car 48 years ago. Thanks to all those who suggested it, I can now drive my '72 rather than look at it sitting in the garage. Thanks, again.
Duane
Duane
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Just an additional follow up on Motive Tanks.
They really should have a brass shutoff valve somewhere in the hose so when you are about done bleeding you can shut off the air / DOT3 supply. Opening the tank itself, under pressure could spray brake fluid on body panels, engine bay, etc.
Dump tank after use and rinse with a few ounces of Acetone. Never leave old DOT3 in the tank or that will end up in your brake system. Flush not only the tank but the hose too.
You can make your own MC Motive lid out of clear Lexan material from a glass shop. That way you can see what's going on in the MC and can judge when to shut off the supply hose. For more info, click on my avatar, then photo albums> brake bleeding. I think I have less than $25 into the homemade lid, gasket, hose, clamps, fittings.
Look on EBay for a used Motive tank. Shade tree wrenchers will use them once, then sell them. I found one for a song. Needed a new pump for $10 and new hose.
They really should have a brass shutoff valve somewhere in the hose so when you are about done bleeding you can shut off the air / DOT3 supply. Opening the tank itself, under pressure could spray brake fluid on body panels, engine bay, etc.
Dump tank after use and rinse with a few ounces of Acetone. Never leave old DOT3 in the tank or that will end up in your brake system. Flush not only the tank but the hose too.
You can make your own MC Motive lid out of clear Lexan material from a glass shop. That way you can see what's going on in the MC and can judge when to shut off the supply hose. For more info, click on my avatar, then photo albums> brake bleeding. I think I have less than $25 into the homemade lid, gasket, hose, clamps, fittings.
Look on EBay for a used Motive tank. Shade tree wrenchers will use them once, then sell them. I found one for a song. Needed a new pump for $10 and new hose.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
I've used mine for years now and I've always run it dry without and issues. Only potential problem is you have to make sure you don't run the master out of fluid. Need to check the level depending on how much you are draining out the bleeders.
for me it's worth not dealing with the jug full of break fluid as mentioned above
M
for me it's worth not dealing with the jug full of break fluid as mentioned above
M
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 697
I have a Motive bleeder and it works well.
But if its older I would replace the fluid lines. Couple of weeks ago I was using mine and the fluid line split and spit brake fluid all over my inner fender. Not good.
You have to be careful as you disconnect because the reservoir will be full to top and easy to over flow.
Back in the day when I couldn't afford any "fancy" tools. I made a pressure bleeder out of a flat 1/4 steel. I drilled and tapped two holes that matched the brake reservoir and used low pressure air to bleed the brakes. As said above you have to check the fluid level as you are bleeding but it worked great. Still have it.
But if its older I would replace the fluid lines. Couple of weeks ago I was using mine and the fluid line split and spit brake fluid all over my inner fender. Not good.
You have to be careful as you disconnect because the reservoir will be full to top and easy to over flow.
Back in the day when I couldn't afford any "fancy" tools. I made a pressure bleeder out of a flat 1/4 steel. I drilled and tapped two holes that matched the brake reservoir and used low pressure air to bleed the brakes. As said above you have to check the fluid level as you are bleeding but it worked great. Still have it.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 704
Likes: 503
From: Temple, TX
I used my new Motive bleeder on my 1980 yesterday as the last step on my brake job. Worked flawlessly. I bought the "GM Kit" so I could take care of my '80 as well as my wife's 2017 Buick and my '22 SIlverado in the future.
Used a clamp with the plate. Like others said; ditch the chains.
Used a clamp with the plate. Like others said; ditch the chains.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,679
Likes: 1,830
From: Huntsville AL
Just an additional follow up on Motive Tanks.
They really should have a brass shutoff valve somewhere in the hose so when you are about done bleeding you can shut off the air / DOT3 supply. Opening the tank itself, under pressure could spray brake fluid on body panels, engine bay, etc.
They really should have a brass shutoff valve somewhere in the hose so when you are about done bleeding you can shut off the air / DOT3 supply. Opening the tank itself, under pressure could spray brake fluid on body panels, engine bay, etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Thats why I said rinse it out with Acetone when done. You got to expect some upgrades on used ones but will save a bundle eventually.
The clear hoses sold at hardware is shoddy quality at best.
The clear hoses sold at hardware is shoddy quality at best.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Aug 16, 2022 at 02:04 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 697
Just one thing about the chains. I have a C5 booster/reservoir on 80 Camaro project so you have to use the rubber "donut" supplied in the Motive kit to seal the reservoir using the chains. They actually worked OK.