Brake Line Flushing/Bleeding

[trapper]

Repiv --- A long , long time ago you indicated in a thread about brake bleeding in a forum far, far away that you were thinking about buying a vacuum pump system for flushing /bleeding your brakes.

I don’t think you ever posted what you finally decided to do: vacuum system, pressure system or stay with the “have someone push the pedal” system.

I’ve decided to take pity on my long suffering wife and relieve her of future “pedal pushing” duty.

I’m leaning toward a vacuum system (like the one being sold by “Griot’s Garage”) or the “Mityvac Super Pump Brake Bleeding Kit.

I’d like to know what you decided. And do you have any words of advice on the subject?

One other question: Can the clutch hydraulic system be vacuum flushed?

[Jesuis]

I know this is viper's domain, so I hope he doesn't bite me, but I thought I'd chime in.
I have the Mityvac kit, and it's definitely a lot handier than using the pedal-pumping method. The only (minor) problem I had was that air leaked past the bleeding nipple, which doesn't really matter, but it means that you have to pump more to sustain the vacuum. The constant pumping is kind of tiresome (or, good hand-excersize.. :) )
I think the air leak issue could be easily resolved by applying a bit of grease to the nipple before sliding the bleed hose over it.

[repiv]

Jesuis, all are welcome to respond here and in fact, you just confirmed what I'm about to say.

I started off with the 2-person method (OPEN, PUSH, CLOSE, UP, OPEN, PUSH, CLOSE, UP, ETC.) Then I did buy one of those vacuum devices. The air was actually getting between the threads of the bleeder valve and made it very difficult to tell if the bleed was going well or not. Although it did work, I abandoned that method because it wasn't a "definitive" bleed.
Then I bought the "pressure" bleed system where you clamp a cap onto the reservoir and pumped the fluid through the system. I have not yet tried this one. It was a gift after I did my last bleed and haven't needed to do another bleed since. Maybe this spring. This is supposed to work for the brakes but will not fit down onto the clutch reservoir.
I still like the 2 person method, if you can get that 2nd person without difficulty. It's antiquated, but it has a very positive feel and sound to it when the fluid goes gushing through the line. And in the end, I think clean-up would be faster, too.
I also purchased the "Speed Bleeders" at one point, but never installed them. These replace your bleeder valves. They are a spring loaded valve that you simply loosen, then you just repeatedly pump the pedal till the line runs clear. Some reported these to leak with age but this was primarily due to the owner over-tightening them to begin with. They were more for those who track their cars and needed bleeding often. I sold them to a friend as I still prefered the 2-person way. He has never mentioned to me how he likes them.

[speedracer]

I think you are missing out on some quality time with your wife.

[Coop]

I have a power bleeder and so far it has worked great, just have to make sure you get a good seal on the MC. I bleed my brakes about every 6 months, so I use it a lot.

[trapper]

Repiv , Coop --- Thanks for the comments. I wonder if a coating of shin-etsu grease, or other good thick grease, would stop the leak problem at the bleed nipple when using a vacuum system. Since you're sucking the fluid out, chance of fluid contamination should be almost nil.

Speedracer: My wife's idea of "Quality Time" is NOT sitting in the car pushing on pedals unless the car is traveling at a "satisfying" rate of speed. She also dislikes even more, --and in fact refuses-- being the one at the other end of the procedure.

[repiv]

I wonder if a coating of shin-etsu grease, or other good thick grease, would stop the leak problem at the bleed nipple when using a vacuum system.
I think you'll need something that will partially harden. Shin-etsu grease that is meant for rubber, won't work so well. The "Speedbleeders" actually come with a semi-cured thread compound already applied to the threads. If you feel the vacuum method is the best for you, I might suggest the used of a "gasket goo" compound or a non-permanent Loctite.

[desmo4]

I think as we discussed, teflon tape would work well.

I just got a hand pumped powered pressure bleeder. I tried a test run to make sure it would seal as the directions suggested and it did. However it won't fit on the clutch master cylinder. As the holding mechanism is too big so I will probably find a speed bleeder for it.

Jonathan