Which brake bleeder?
- Thread starter Dru30
- Start date
Andrew Shadow
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Motion Pro Hydraulic Brake Bleeder if you want something cheap and effective.
Mighty-Vac vacuum brake bleeder if you want to get a little fancier.
Or you can just do the old fashioned way by opening each bleeder nipple one at a time and pumping the handle/pedal as required.
All three methods work and will get the job done equally well in my opinion. It is just a matter of convenience. The check valve or vacuum bleeder make it easier if you are doing it by yourself. The vacuum bleeder makes the flushing part easier as it is a breeze to run as much new fluid through the system as you like with very little effort.
Mighty-Vac vacuum brake bleeder if you want to get a little fancier.
Or you can just do the old fashioned way by opening each bleeder nipple one at a time and pumping the handle/pedal as required.
All three methods work and will get the job done equally well in my opinion. It is just a matter of convenience. The check valve or vacuum bleeder make it easier if you are doing it by yourself. The vacuum bleeder makes the flushing part easier as it is a breeze to run as much new fluid through the system as you like with very little effort.
Thanks I thought I read somewhere it’s better to vacuum pump it through then finish of with the normal way,something about the vacuum pump pulling through the pcv and smc better or is this incorrect ,I’ll be replacing smc and rear caliper pistons then givin the system a full fluid change ?
I just did my brakes, purchased a mightyvac which is still unopened. Used a $10.00 Motion pro check valve. Easy, as pie
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
A vacuum pump does not get you a better result because it is a superior process. If it gets you a better result it is because it is easier to run greater volumes of fluid through the system and It also makes it easier to manipulate the SMC and to exercise the piston while the fluid is running through it - especially if you are doing this alone. This only equates to a better flush than doing it without a vacuum pump if you don't run a sufficient amount of fluid through the system because without the pump it is more difficult and time consuming so you got lazy. If the proper procedure is followed and a sufficient amount of fluid is pushed through the brake system doing it manually you will get the same result. All things being equal the vacuum pump is a convenience item to facilitate the job but in my opinion does not yield a superior result. I used a vacuum pump because I know someone who has one that I can borrow. If that was not the case would I go out and buy one solely because I believe it does a better job? The answer is no. Would I buy one because it makes it easier when you are doing this alone? After having used one the answer might possibly be yes. The reason is not because I believe it does a better job however. The reason is the number of vehicles I have to maintain and the fact that I am always doing this alone. If the decision was being based on use for the ST1300 only the answer is no.
I'd suggest the
MV6830 Vacuum Brake Bleeder
shown on the link above. It's the one used with a compressor, to provide continuous vacuum. A higher volume bleeder is better when the brake (or clutch) lines aren't straight up and down. Bubbles tend to move up, and can be trapped in a curved line if you stop to empty a reservoir. A constant flow of fluid helps to keep the bubbles moving. We've been using the above bleeder for quite some time, and I'm happy with it.
MV6830 Vacuum Brake Bleeder
shown on the link above. It's the one used with a compressor, to provide continuous vacuum. A higher volume bleeder is better when the brake (or clutch) lines aren't straight up and down. Bubbles tend to move up, and can be trapped in a curved line if you stop to empty a reservoir. A constant flow of fluid helps to keep the bubbles moving. We've been using the above bleeder for quite some time, and I'm happy with it.
I bought one of these, but have yet to use it.
Air assist vacuum bleeder
When I start the brakes and clutch rebuilds on my '04#1, I'll be using it a lot.
I'm just tired of the hand pumps. my hand gets too tired!
Air assist vacuum bleeder
When I start the brakes and clutch rebuilds on my '04#1, I'll be using it a lot.
I'm just tired of the hand pumps. my hand gets too tired!
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- 1&2&3-2005 ST1300ABS
Use the $10 motion pro one way check valve. You'll be amazed how easy and how well it works. Wish I had one 40 years ago when I started in this racket.
ColinW1981
Site Supporter
SupraSaber let me know how you fare with the pressurized system. I couldn't make it work as I couldn't seal the master cylinder(s) with the adapters provided. However, that is the way I bleed my cages...
I have both of the above mentioned units, and prefer the Motion Pro check valve. Nothing to leak, nothing to mess up, and no pumping. I have been tempted into getting one of the air assisted bleeders, since Harbor Freight has a fairly reasonable one, but never pulled the trigger on it. I'd love to hear how it works though!
A vacuum pump is faster, and that alone might be worth it to you. My old body tends to complain a bit if I have to pump the brake lever, squat by the bleed nipple, get up again, etc. With my vac pump (a homemade setup using a vac pump that is used to service air conditioning units) I fill the reservoir w/ fresh juice, squat once and bleed it through one caliper's bleed nipple, refill and go on to the next. Two knee bends per location.