Brake Bleeding

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Dec 23, 2001 | 05:59 AM

gerry c

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 251

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From: Lake Hughes CA

Brake Bleeding

Seeing a lot of brake bleeding questions and omments here lately. This reminded me of a tool I had about thirty years ago and wondered if they are still around.

The "tool" was a maybe 12 inch piece of hose with a one-way valve on the end of it. It worked by slipped the hose over the bleeder (tight fit) and the valve into a jar. When you pumped the brakes, fuild came out and the valve stopped air from going back in (most of it anyway). As I remember, it worked pretty well and was cheap, otherwise I would not have bought it.

Does anyone remember this tool and are they still being made? I have some brake work coming up and would love to get one of these again.

Dec 23, 2001 | 08:13 AM

BeachinVette

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 1,502

Likes: 0

From: Elyria Ohio

Re: Brake Bleeding (gerry c)

gerry c
I use one too. It is a one man brake bleeder. I picked one up at Auto Zone last week. Cost $4.95. really does help.
Bob

Dec 23, 2001 | 08:29 AM

BLT-71

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 997

Likes: 0

From: Columbus, IN USA

Re: Brake Bleeding (gerry c)

A newer version is the speed bleeder. The bleeder itself has a check valve in it and all you do is turn the bleeder add a hose to be neat and pump.

Dec 23, 2001 | 08:58 AM

454Big

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 1,080

Likes: 1

From: Frankfurt, Taunus Hills

Re: Brake Bleeding (BLT-71)

While we are talking about speed bleeders.....

I received speedies from VB&P and they seem to have some kind of microcapsule paint on the treads.

Does this mean that they can only be used once??? (meaning that if they are removed will they seal ever again?)
I think this sacifices their use....

Any mechanic around who can highlight me??? :confused:

Dec 28, 2001 | 12:48 PM

DEVOUR

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

From: Austin, TX, USA

Re: Brake Bleeding (454Big)

I use the same method, but without a check valve. Put a little clean fluid in the catch bottle and keep the end of the hose below the fluid line. Works like a champ and I have never seen it draw back anywhere near the amount of fluid it puts out.

Dec 28, 2001 | 06:09 PM

Rockn-Roll

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 3,407

Likes: 2

From: Carmichael CA

Re: Brake Bleeding (gerry c)

As long as the open end of the hose is immersed in fluid then you don't need the valve. Most bleeding problems are due to a loose fit of the hose around the bleeder nipple, but this can be overcome by closing the bleeder valve while depressing the brake pedal if you have an assistant, or by holding the pedal down with a 2' long 2x4 wedged between the pedal and towel protected seat before walking around to tighten the bleeder.

Dec 29, 2001 | 09:57 PM

Dsmith

Racer

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 493

Likes: 4

From: Palmyra Pa

Re: Brake Bleeding (gerry c)

With a real tight hose at the bleeder valve things work fairly well. After I confirmed only fluid coming out, I waited for various periods of time and found that you have enough time to get out of the car and close the bleeder valve before air would seep back into the line because of the hose/valve fit. If I waited too long, sure enough, air would spit out again. But after 10 seconds, I'd still get good fluid flow, enough time to close the line. Mirrors come in handy to see the right side of the car while depressing pedal. :smash:

Dec 29, 2001 | 11:15 PM

Techno

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 1,469

Likes: 6

From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster

Re: Brake Bleeding (Dsmith)

It could be argued that no air is leaking past the threads of the bleeder, I'm not so sure.
But if you have the help there are two thing that you are missing doing it alone.
1: your supposed to tap the caliper to loosen any bubbles.
2: you can't see the bleeding process. The bubbles

You also miss on the scintilating conversation.
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