bleeding brakes

[texas_04]

I am doing a brake job right now, but I need to knwo how to bleed the brakes the right way before i start taking it apart and such.

[iceracer]

There different ways to bleed and all are correct. Most manuals say to start from the wheel farthest from the master cyl.
Gravity bleed, open the bleeder and let the fluid run,catching it in a container.
Vacumn bleed, You need a MightyVac or something.
For this one, you need a helper. Helper pumps pedal to produce pressure, other person opens bleeder until pedal goes to floor. Do not have helper let up on the pedal until you have closed the bleeder.
There are pressure bleeders that attach to the master cyl.
Or you can get Speed Bleeders.
One very important thing when bleeding, DO NOT let the master cyl. run dry. Top it up with fresh fluid after bleeding each wheel is good practice.
Do your brake job first and then bleed.

[Spyware]

What size Speed Bleeders should be purchased for a ZX2?

[havocsmaster]

putting a piece of clear rubber tubing that fits tight around bleeder and put other end in a bottle with some clean brake fluid in it, open bleeder and pump till no more air bubbles come out, close bleeder, refill master and proceed to next wheel, this way, no air can be drawn back into system.

[iceracer]

Speed bleeders for the front are 8mm, for the rear on the SR they are 7mm. Not sure what the drum brake uses.

[trekkor]

Speed Bleeders rule!

One of the only mods I installed.

I can't recommend them any higher. No turning back.



KT

[powder]

Lots of speed bleeders don't get all the air out of the lines. I bought one for 120 bucks and used it once and went back to my manual method.

I'd use the tried and true method w/ the helper. It's never failed me.

[trekkor]

Speed Bleeders replace the stock bleeder valves in the calipers.
They have a built in one-way check valve.
You loosen them 1/4 turn and pump without a helper.
Slip a vinyl tube over the end and pump into a catch-can

Mine see temps over 350° several times a day.
No failures or leaks in four years.
I bleed them before each track day. ( seven pumps each )

They are $15 a pair or so. Made by 'Russel'.

Maybe you were thinking of something else?


KT

[powder]

Yeah i was thinking vacuum bleeder.

[trekkor]

When I use the Speed Bleeders I don't even get into the car anymore.
I push the brake pedal down through the window with a broom handle.

It becomes a ten minute job if the car is on jackstands with the wheels off.
Seriously.


KT

[powder]

I'm looking for thorough though. Time means nothing to me.

[trekkor]

Speed Bleeders seal when turned tight, just like the stock valves.
They don't leak.

You can work solo. The speed is just a bonus.
No compromise what-so-ever.

First time you use them is an 'ah-ha' moment.


KT

[trekkor]

I bleed my brakes two or three times a month.
It's thorough.


KT

[powder]

Why would i believe that if you need to do it that often? lol

[trekkor]

Because it's a track car and I *always* want fresh fluid in the calipers.

Any more questions?


KT

[powder]

Not questions. I have one statement though. You don't need to do it that often. I know lots of autox and road course/time attack junkies that bleed their brakes manually 1-2 times per season.

Like i say, you can't beat the tried and true method.

[trekkor]

My fluid will never boil.


Out.


KT

[powder]

Implying everyone elses will?

Little known fact: Most systems let in 2% moisture every 12 months. DOT 4 fluid's boiling point is not lowered until it hits about 3% moisture content. Bleeding your brakes every other month, whether for autox or whatever, is sufficient. Whether you think so or not. It's fine if you're anal about it, doesn't need to be done 3 times a month though.

[powder]

That's the other thing, you're in Cali. It stays fairly dry there year round doesn't it?

[iceracer]

Because it's a track car and I *always* want fresh fluid in the calipers.

Any more questions?


KT

Second that. I always bleed the brakes before an event.

[Loser47]

heres my 2 cents: i did this the other day. it sucked

[trekkor]

heres my 2 cents: i did this the other day. it sucked

Well...Keep your mouth off the brake parts!! http://www.914club.com/bbs2/style_emoticons/default/chairfall.gif

Seriously, what was troubling you?


KT

[Loser47]

oh, nothing, just the feeling of being covered with fluid while my friend keeps pushing back and forth on it. He pumps and pumps and pumps and i tell him to stop but he wont until he gets tired. thats what sucks about bleeding brakes

[trekkor]

First you need to put a clear vinyl tube over the bleeder valve into a catch can.
Wear nitrile gloves. You'll stay clean and happy.

When I have used an assistant it's like this:

I loosen, "pump and hold", I tighten, "release". ( repeat )

Communication...


KT