Bleedin' Brakes.

[djb222]

Moved the car from one garage to another to finish the car a few weeks ago, went to stop and the brake pedal went straight to the floor. Pumping the pedal and the brakes returned. So re bleed and replace all the fluid.

Now as I'm working solo I decided to invest in a Sealey vacuum bleed kit. Instructions seem simple enough, should be half an hours job, or so I thought. Old fluid sucked out of the reservoir, top up bottle in place, attach bleed pipe, cracked nipple open, apply vacuum and fluid starts to flow with lots of bubbles then more bubbles. After about 200ml of fluid still the same so retighten the nipple, something ain't right. Check seal of tube on the nipple and re try, same result.

So anyone else had a similar problem? I'm suspecting the rubber seal on the end of the bleed tube isn't good enough. I wouldn't have thought air was being pulled past the nipple threads.

[Swiss_Toni]

Some times if you back the bleed nipples out too much they will such air past the thread.

I have to say I only use my vacuum bleeder for the initial bleeder to suck the old fluid out and flush the new fluid through.

I then always do a final and very fine bleed (to getting all the micro bubbles out) final bleeding with bleed bottles and someone pumping the peddle (my 11 year old is getting pretty good at it).

[GTRMikie]

I use a Gunson Eezibleed to bleed the brakes on my cars. This is a pressure system so no chance of sucking air into the lines.

[Storer]

A friend and beer tokens is your answer.

Air is easier to draw than the fluid, so sucking is not the answer.

Pedal pumping is the easiest way and more fun.



Paul

[djb222]

I think you're right Paul, old skool is often the best way.

I thought I'd give it another try tomorrow as I'd like to find the reason it's not working, however I think I'll end up with the tried and tested........

[Steve_D]

We have both systems in our workshop.
The vac system does pull air past the threads of the nipple so is best used for the clear and recharge on a fluid replacement.
Pressure system is good but the risk of the fitting blowing off the reservoir is high and very messy/damaging. Never run the system higher than 15psi as it compresses the air bubbles making them more difficult to shift.

Pumping is the only way to get a good final bleed.

Steve

[Swiss_Toni]

I have a set of 4 bottles like these.

I'm sure you can make or find a cheaper option e.g. https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p/longacre-brak...

[macgtech]

Never had much success with vacuum systems, pressure bleeders like the Eezi bleed seem much better. Only 15 pounds or so, well worth it!