Brake bleeder suggestions...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: Belchertown Massachusetts
Brake bleeder suggestions...
I checked the master cylinder on the '99 vette I recently purchased. The fluid looks contaminated.
Need suggestions on what type of 'one person' brake bleeding device would be good to remove the old fluid and replace with fresh fluid?
Thanks...Jake T.
Need suggestions on what type of 'one person' brake bleeding device would be good to remove the old fluid and replace with fresh fluid?
Thanks...Jake T.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 954
Likes: 21
From: White Oak, GA
I think you can buy a "one man" unit at many car parts stores. Some fancy ones use vacuum, others are simpler.
I bought speed bleeders because I change my fluid several times a year since the car is used on the track. I like them alot. Some people have had problems with certain brands, and some people have had trouble by stripping the caliper when installing the bleeders. Be careful. Bleeders will cost you ~$30 a set. The vacuum device probably costs that much. What you buy depends on how often you plan to do the job.
You could join your local Corvette Club and have a shop night where someone pumps the brakes while you turn the valve. Your only expense is the fluid, and you'll make friends in the process.
I bought speed bleeders because I change my fluid several times a year since the car is used on the track. I like them alot. Some people have had problems with certain brands, and some people have had trouble by stripping the caliper when installing the bleeders. Be careful. Bleeders will cost you ~$30 a set. The vacuum device probably costs that much. What you buy depends on how often you plan to do the job.
You could join your local Corvette Club and have a shop night where someone pumps the brakes while you turn the valve. Your only expense is the fluid, and you'll make friends in the process.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
If you want a good bleeder check these out. I will get one of these one day. But my wife is getting the job done for now. 
http://www.motiveproducts.com/02bleeders.html
http://www.motiveproducts.com/02bleeders.html
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
I bought a venturi vacuum and simply hooked it up to a reserve bottle (to prevent sucking the brake fluid into the vacuum valve itself). For those who are unfamiliar with a venturi vacuum pump, you supply compressed air and it pulls vacuum.
Here's a word of warning for those who pump the brake pedal:
Limit the master cylinder's travel by placing a block of wood under the brake pedal. Pumping without it could allow your MC seals to be damaged by the cylinder bore's outer (never-used) areas. This is why I prefer the vacuum method.
Here's a word of warning for those who pump the brake pedal:
Limit the master cylinder's travel by placing a block of wood under the brake pedal. Pumping without it could allow your MC seals to be damaged by the cylinder bore's outer (never-used) areas. This is why I prefer the vacuum method.
