Brake Bleeders

Phil Robson

Well-Known Member
I’m looking at getting a brake bleeding kit & wondered what you guys recommend.
There seem to be basically ‘suck’ or ‘blow’ types out there with varying reviews.
 
I have usually used the pressure type , only problems have been sealing adequately to the reservoir. I have tried the vacuum type but have suffered from air being drawn past the thread on the bleed screws so I couldn't be sure the system was clear. I guess if I had put PTFE tape or similar on the thread it might seal.
 
I agree with roverp480.
I’ve used the Gunson pressurised kit, which connects to a spare tyre to pressurise the system for years without issues. Although sometimes a bit fiddley to set up it was excellent. Foolishly, I gave it to my brother.
Recently I bought a vacuum bleeder which, although fairly expensive, is pretty useless.
I always get good constant negative pressure when set up on the car, but the second you slacken off the bleed nipple air is drawn in past the threads and not the fluid from the nipple.
May just be due to my incompetence, but it kept happening. Now relegated to the back of the shed.
Recommend pressurised system.
 
Just to add I have one those large surgical plastic syringes which I find useful for two thing, nearly emptying the reservoir before changing the fluid, and if attached to the bleed nipple with plastic pipe, the fluid is expelled into the syringe and pushes the piston back , no fluid all over the floor or knocking the jam jar over!
 
I have an easibleed an one of those pots with the one way valve. The eazibleed didn’t come with a cap big enough to fit the Rover reservoir, so I’ve never been able to use it on that. Most of the time, the one way valve pot works fine.
 
The way to get a vac type bleeder to work is to get some additional bleed nipples to fit the calipers, put a drill right down the middle, then screw them in the caliper tight.
This way you get a positive suction with no air being drawn in, when done put in the original nipple.
 
Thanks Cobraboy.
That would definitely work.

I guess that the manufacturer forgot to mention that part in the instruction sheet on the useless one I bought! ;)
 
I have an easibleed an one of those pots with the one way valve. The eazibleed didn’t come with a cap big enough to fit the Rover reservoir, so I’ve never been able to use it on that. Most of the time, the one way valve pot works fine.
I used to bleed the brakes with an eazibleed. I have thrown my lid away years ago but gonna make me one again. Just take an old lid from a brakefluidreservoir. Get rid of the "sensor" in the middle en drill a little hole in the middle. in there you can make a connection like you would do with the other lids supplied with the bottle. Worked for me. Only downside is that you have to really tighten the reservoir otherwise it is not airtight,
 
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Just to add I have one those large surgical plastic syringes which I find useful for two thing, nearly emptying the reservoir before changing the fluid, and if attached to the bleed nipple with plastic pipe, the fluid is expelled into the syringe and pushes the piston back , no fluid all over the floor or knocking the jam jar over!

been there , jam jar all over the floor, I use the Gunson device, works every time using the spare tyre for air. just make sure that it is screwed onto the master very firmly, once when bleeding
the brakes on my series one landie it came off, brake fluid sprayed all over the cabin, frantic move for buckets of water to wash it off. But failing that, it works very well...
Peter
 
got to bleed mine again soon. front are easy .that rear ggrrrr.. I have used both vacuum and pressure. pressure is best providing you dont use too much pressure and can get seal on cap! this time will us etc tried and tested method of. spare foot pumping pedal.small tube and a jar.
 
i use something similar to this on mine to regulate the air pressure :
air pressure regulating | eBay
approx £2.22. !
s-l225.jpg

using tyres to supply,it air allows you to adjust up or down and drop to nothing ,if you want so allowing just enough to do the job and not blow seal on the reservouir lid
much more civilised - makes these tools much easier to use ,and pleasurable too
neil
 
+1 for the Speed Bleeders. Available from Demon (I think I got them there), about 12 pounds each I think.
Gunsons is fine but I have often had a leak at the cap at the master cylinder. Or the cap on the Gunsons reservoir. Whatever which always creates a big mess. Use a tyre with low pressure.
To avoid the mess with Gunsons I bought a vacuum bleeder but that never worked for me. Then I came across the Speed Bleeder - just fantastic. For fun I have renewed all the brake fluid on my car!
 
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