I'm having some serious problems with my brake-bleeding process (doing it the old-fashioned way) and I think that with the number of [unsafe] cars my family has running around, any tool would pay for itself rather quickly.

I'm looking for first-hand knowledge of the tools with these concerns:

1.effectiveness
2.ease of use
3.price
4.quality

Also let me know where to find these tools graemlins/thumbsup.gif

My favorite tool is a 1 liter soda bottle and a piece of vacuum hose. Put about an inch of fresh brake fluid in the bottle, hook up the hose to the bleeder and pump away! Something that makes life easier is this tool....
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?tool=all&item_ID=12345&group_ID=1672&group_name=Vacuum+Type+Brake+Bleeder+Kit&sub_cat_ID=1618159&sub_cat_name=Bleeder+Kits&cat_ID=1617987 &cat_name=Brake&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog (http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?tool=all&item_ID=12345&group_ID=1672&group_name=Vacuum+Type+Brake+Bleeder+Kit&sub_cat_ID=1618159&sub_cat_name=Bleeder+Kits&cat_ID=1617987&cat_name=Brake&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog)

I only show this as an example because Snap-On is WAY,WAY,WAY, overpriced. I think you can get them from Eastwood(I checked their site but didn't see it) or Griot's Garage. Possibly Northern Hardware or someplace like that. It just keeps the master full while you bleed the brakes(very important). I have a Mity-Vac AND a Pheonix Injector($$$) and I still go back to the bottle and hose. The Pheonix Injector is good for a dead empty system because you can push the air up from the wheel to the master but I don't care for it with normal bleeding.
Keep in mind that there are special situations such as a button on either the master or the proportioning valve that needs to be held in while you are bleeding it. Sometimes the brake pedal needs to be held halfway down to make sure both ports are open. Thats generally if you vacuum bleed it though.

Jeff

I use a MITYVAC - Eastwood sells it for 34.99 - item 49040 - great product. Just keep an eye on the master cylinder as not to drain it while bleeding.

Rich

Here's a link to Northern Tool, showing the Mightyvac brake bleeding kit. I have one & it does a great job.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=391590&categoryId=0

I have a mityvac too. You don't need it.

Instead, go to almost any auto parts store (AutoZone here has them) and pick up a set of speed bleeders for your car. You can get stainless ones if you prefer by custom ordering, but they are $15 each. The auto parts store has regular ones for about half that for a pair, just know your size.

The speed bleeder replaces your regular bleeder valve, and has a check ball in that keeps air from entering during the process. Add a vacuum line and an empty 2-liter bottle to collect the fluid. Open the farthest from your MC first, pump brakes about 5 times (keep an eye on fluid level). Go back and close valve, open the next one, pump 5 times, etc.

You will be done in no time for under $20.

They have got plastic bottle type cheapos at Auto Zone, but they are more or less disposable. I used mine once, and it worked great, it even had a magnet on it to hold it to the car while your'e bleeding the brakes. Then, next time I needed it, it just fell apart, crumbled to pieces totally. Seems like the plastic material wasn't compatible with the brake fluid :confused: The DIY "hose in a bottle" works fine too, and costs nothing. Haven't tried speed bleeders though, it sounds like the easiest method. No special tools to misplace (or for your friends to "borrow"), just use a piece of hose and a wrench. Think I'll invest in that next time I work on the brakes.

Originally posted by Olle:
They have got plastic bottle type cheapos at Auto Zone, but they are more or less disposable. I used mine once, and it worked great, it even had a magnet on it to hold it to the car while your'e bleeding the brakes. Then, next time I needed it, it just fell apart, crumbled to pieces totally. Seems like the plastic material wasn't compatible with the brake fluid :confused: I just bought that one for about $6... if it doesn't work for me, I'll try the speed-bleeders. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Derek, it will do the job, and I guess you can save it by cleaning it after your'e done. I didn't, I just emptied it and put it up, and that was obviosly not the right thing to do with this one. Kinda funny though, a brake bleeder that will break down if exposed to brake fluid... Guess you always get what you pay for.

actually I'm not too worried, I have silicone brake fluid in my car... won't even harm paint like the old stuff does.

How about a litte bit of hose and your mouth. ;)

Tim

;) :D yeah, yeah... tastes minty, I haven't tasted the conventional brake fluid yet.

That tool I used worked pretty well, but I still think I'm gonna buy the speed-bleeders. I'll see how it drives how it is and decide if it needs more work.

Originally posted by TronDD:
How about a litte bit of hose and your mouth. ;)

Tim One of my favorite pick up lines. ;)

Does that pick-up line work? I knew I needed some new material when "May I buy you several drinks?" quit working for me. ;)

Only you MM would bring up the topic of women during a discussion about bleeders :D

Brakes are bled, but I still think I should invest in speed bleeders graemlins/thumbsup.gif