Brake bleeding

[68_Step]

I have been thinking about buying a one person brake bleeder, like the Motive power bleeder. But then I was researching brake bleeding on these forums and saw a replacement brake bleeder fitting called "Speed Bleeder". If I replace my current valves with the speed bleeder valves, do I still need to have something like the Motive Power Bleeder on hand? Do the Speed Bleeder valves have a downside?
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[cdowns]

all you really need for one man brake bleeding is a cement brick// been using one for close to 50 years to do the job with no problems

[68_Step]

Originally Posted by cdowns

all you really need for one man brake bleeding is a cement brick// been using one for close to 50 years to do the job with no problems

I agree, just looking to upgrade the concrete block. I have also upgraded some of my wrenches to sockets too!
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[jocko]

I've used both 68 step. The power bleeder was the cause of the largest most caustic mess in the history of garages....

It is very easy for it to leak when the mc is pressurized (many complaints of that very thing online, and I had all the correct brackets, etc for my mc), and once that happens, there is no avoiding trashing the driver's side of your engine compartment's paint. I'm not saying it CAN'T be done without making a mess, but I've yet to do it. As a result, this turd went into the trash can about a year ago.

Speed bleeders are nice - but they aren't exactly the be-all/end-all. Hard not to get air back into the lines when self-bleeding and you let off the pedal and go to tighten the bleeder. So, perhaps, you may want to hang onto that concrete block.

I've not found a brake bleeding tool yet that is as efficient as your buddy pumping the pedal on command. Now, i've been frustrated many times when a bud wasn't available to help, so I have tried several of the self-bleeding tools. Have yet to use a vac gun, but might try one soon since I have a major brake rebuild looming...

Would like to hear what you end up using and how it works out!

[Stocker]

I got one of these at ma local NAPA. Just a few bucks, slip it on the bleeder and pump away. It has a check valve to prevent air from entering the bleeder. Slip it on the bleeder and pump the pedal, no helper needed.

[68_Step]

Originally Posted by jocko

I've used both 68 step. The power bleeder was the cause of the largest most caustic mess in the history of garages....

That hurts just to think about it! The power bleeder just dropped a couple notches in the rankings.

Have yet to use a vac gun, but might try one soon since I have a major brake rebuild looming

I just breezed over the vacuum guns in th catalogs, need to add them to the search. Thanks! Glad I kept the block...
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[haminator]

I've started just letting mine gravity bleed.

[WadmalawJoe]

I just did the gravity bleeding about a month ago.
I connected a clear tube to the bleeder valve and ran it into a can with a inch or two of brake fluid in it, so that it couldn't suck air back in.
I cracked the bleeder valves
pumped the brakes a few times
added new brake fluid to the master
and repeated until I had a nice flow of fluid with no bubbles
closed bleeders
topped off master
took it for a test drive around the farm, all was well.
It took about 20 minutes (the bleeding)
I had replaced wheel cylinders and about half of the hard lines, which is why I think it went smoothly. When I had disconnected the lines they were full of junk/muddy looking stuff.

[POS1]

Originally Posted by WadmalawJoe

I just did the gravity bleeding about a month ago.
I connected a clear tube to the bleeder valve and ran it into a can with a inch or two of brake fluid in it, so that it couldn't suck air back in.

And that's a good idea.
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[haminator]

I don't even pump the brakes unless to get a flow going. Works on slave cyl. too.

[jeffahart]

I bought a Phoenix Systems, and I can testify it SUCKS. Or umm... sorry this is a family channel, it's not very good! Where do you live. You can have it if I can toss it that far!

[68_Step]

Originally Posted by WadmalawJoe

I cracked the bleeder valves / pumped the brakes a few times / added new brake fluid to the master and repeated until I had a nice flow of fluid with no bubbles. / closed bleeders

I hope this is not a silly question, but: Did you do all 4 corners at the same time?
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[haminator]

I think you could do all 4 at once. Just close one down as it starts to flow free.

[WadmalawJoe]

Ooops, left that out,
yes I think you can do all 4, but I did the back two then the front. Closing one wheel down when it flowed good then went to the other.

[68_Step]

Thanks for the ideas. I think I will steer clear of the power bleeder, I make enough messes without needing any help! I think I will try gravity bleeding first and then maybe the Speed Bleeders. Thanks!

[68gmsee]

I've tried every technique that comes around at least once, but nothing beats an understanding wife (with patience) or a six pack and a good buddy.

[haminator]

Yea the two man system is hard to beat.