Date:         Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:11:00 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike S <mikes@FLATSURFACE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike S <mikes@FLATSURFACE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Brake bleeding problems
Comments: To: Bryan Feddish <uprightbassghost@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BLU162-ds12A8B545D521BF269E26CCE440@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

On 3/25/2012 2:17 PM, Bryan Feddish wrote:
> Yup, I've been trying the vacuum bleeders. Both of which I will return. I
> think both have put more air in the system then taken out. I have not see a
> pressure bleeder but I take it they are a bit more $$$?

Brake fluid should be changed every couple of years, so if you have more
than one car, a good bleeder pays for itself pretty quickly. Even
quicker if you consider your time to have value. I've never had a
problem justifying buying good tools when I have a job to do - it
usually ends up cheaper the first time than taking it to a mechanic, and
I'm ahead every time after.

I've got one of the Motive ones, which you can get for about $60.
Amazon, for example - get the "European" one if you only have Euro
vehicles. I got a universal one, fits just about anything, but they're
close to $100 (I think it was $60 when I got it a few years ago. Works
well. I don't put fluid in it (PITA to clean it out after), but just
make sure the reservoir stays above minimum (which usually means simply
refilling it after you bleed each corner, while keeping an eye on it).

If you want to retry a vacuum one, I've heard that putting thick grease
around the outside of the bleeder bolt near the threads can work to help
hold vacuum and prevent air from leaking in there.