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Historically, I've done the 2 person method. One cracking the bleeder and the other pumping the pedal on command. I've also done vacuum bleed with a hand operated vacuum pump but that gets very messy because the tiny plastic cylinder doesn't seal well and requires frequent emptying.
I'm considering a shop air powered vacuum bleeder. Specifically the one pictured below. Nothing really wrong with other methods but I'm looking for something that's cleaner, has a large holding volume and the benift of not requiring a 2nd person in vehicle. Anyone use one? Thoughts or recommendations?
My 94 is full of air due to a 4 caliper rebuild. I'm sure the abs unit needs bled as well. I'd like to keep brake fluid off the freshly painted calipers.
I guess what I don't like about most speed bleeders is that they rely on thread sealant to keep air out when bleeding. Seems like the sealant is a wear item with enough use and also could gunk the threads. Probably mostly a non issue.
I've seen the Earls solo bleeders which have an internal plunger that doesn't rely on thread sealant which I like better, great design. But Jegs lists two different thread sizes as fitting my year - can't be both!
The other issue is any new fancy bleeder plus shipping approaches ~$50 and can only be used on 1 car, versus a vacuum bleeder which can be used on any car. And for clutches too.
I personally have tried several methods and devices of getting the air out of brake and clutch systems. After all of the gadgets I find myself using my Phoenix "Reverse Injection Brake Bleeder". I found it to be the easiest way to bleed out the air by myself. They are priceless when doing some GM hydraulic clutch systems.
The idea of pushing the air "up" instead of forcing it to go against its natural desire makes the job much easier and much more complete on the first try. I used it recently when rebuilding the entire brake system on my 1988 C4.
If you don't want to push the air up you can always use the same tool and push it down the lines as well.
This tool makes it so much easier than anything else I have tried. I have actually flushed brakes on my other cars because it was so easy..
Good luck!
I have the Mityvac air powered one and I love it. I have completely changed the brake fluid in my car 3 times in the 16+ years I have owned it. I have used it many times on my cars and others also and it never fails me.
Seems like lots of options, thanks for the replies.
Tonight I "built" a new reservoir for my hand operated MightVac. The plastic one goes to hell so quickly and doesn't hold vacuum. I made my contraption out of a mason jar, an old brake hose and banjo bolt and a barbed fitting. Lastly an o ring from an old oil filter. It actually worked and held vacuum. And it's at least 3x the size of the dinky plastic reservoir. I did a preliminary bleed at each caliper and had a pretty solid pedal. I don't consider it done though, I want to do a full flush and the hand pump would take a week to get that done. I'm liking the style of the Griots one that mako41 mentioned.
Air powered vac bleeder?
