+1 for this method, I've done it the cheap way by using an old soda bottle, drilling a hole in the cap and just letting the hose bottom out on it. Doesn't take any longer than a power bleeder IMO and if you get an extra set of hands it's even faster. I like this method because it's foolproof when working alone.Just though I would add my 2 cents to this topic. I have been using the following process to change the brake fluid in my vehicles since the 1970's. Years ago, I created a bleed bottle using a mayo jar and some tubing that fit snuggly over the bleeder screws and poked down through the lid to create a standpipe.
More recently the bleed bottles (of a more professional design!) are available for purchase:
• Genesis Cable Bleeder Bottle
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W7F2GI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Tools/Material:
• Large container of fresh brake fluid
• Box wrench that fits over bleeder screws (~3/8” I believe)
• Bleeder bottle
• Screwdriver to remove protective caps
Process:
• Add fresh brake fluid to bleeder bottle until standpipe is covered by ~ ½ inch (this will help keep air out of the brake system during bleeding)
• Remove master cylinder cap and siphon out around ¾ of the fluid. Replace with fresh fluid (can also flush old fluid through system if desired but it will take longer)
• I usually start at the bleeder closest to the master cylinder (front left)
• Remove the rubber protective cap from bleeder screw
• Place box wrench on screw in a position where it can be loosened
• Hang bottle close to bleeder screw and attach bleed hose as shown in pic
• Crack open bleeder screw ~ 1/8 to 1/4 turn
• Enter vehicle and slowly/ gently push pedal down ~ ½ to ¾ down to the bottom. I usually go slowly and do not allow the pedal to bottom out as it may affect the master cylinder seals.
• Allow pedal to come back up by itself
• Repeat 6 to 8 times
• Check /add fluid level to master cylinder
• I usually repeat this process at each bleeder location 3-4 times (a total of ~ 24 pedal strokes) Fluid is not that expensive so I may overdo it a bit.
• Close bleeder screw, remove tube and install protective cap
• Move to next bleeder (I usual go FL, FR, RL and RR)
• Fill reseviour to the required level and you are done.
Remember to closely monitor fluid in master reservoir so it does not run dry
You can see the old darkened fluid collecting in the bottle.
The bleed bottle may have to be emptied occasionally making sure to leave the end of the stand pipe submerged in fluid. (Tighten bleeder screw before removing)
Frankly if you are flexible enough you can perform the bleeding without removing wheels or raising the vehicle.
Bingo, clean fluid.
Hope this helps!
What's to stop the system from sucking in air from the empty tube when you first connect it and crack open the bleeder valve but haven't got another person already pumping the brakes? I don't see how it wouldn't suck in air unless you somehow had the tube pre-filled. Even if the standpipe is covered there's still a good amount of air in front of that before it reaches the point where it's connected to the bleeder valve. Thanks!Simple brake bleed
Just though I would add my 2 cents to this topic. I have been using the following process to change the brake fluid in my vehicles since the 1970's. Years ago, I created a bleed bottle using a mayo jar and some tubing that fit snuggly over the bleeder screws and poked down through the lid to create a standpipe.
More recently the bleed bottles (of a more professional design!) are available for purchase:
• Genesis Cable Bleeder Bottle
Tools/Material:
• Large container of fresh brake fluid
• Box wrench that fits over bleeder screws (~3/8” I believe)
• Bleeder bottle
• Screwdriver to remove protective caps
Process:
• Add fresh brake fluid to bleeder bottle until standpipe is covered by ~ ½ inch (this will help keep air out of the brake system during bleeding)
• Remove master cylinder cap and siphon out around ¾ of the fluid. Replace with fresh fluid (can also flush old fluid through system if desired but it will take longer)
• I usually start at the bleeder closest to the master cylinder (front left)
• Remove the rubber protective cap from bleeder screw
• Place box wrench on screw in a position where it can be loosened
• Hang bottle close to bleeder screw and attach bleed hose as shown in pic
• Crack open bleeder screw ~ 1/8 to 1/4 turn
• Enter vehicle and slowly/ gently push pedal down ~ ½ to ¾ down to the bottom. I usually go slowly and do not allow the pedal to bottom out as it may affect the master cylinder seals.
• Allow pedal to come back up by itself
• Repeat 6 to 8 times
• Check /add fluid level to master cylinder
• I usually repeat this process at each bleeder location 3-4 times (a total of ~ 24 pedal strokes) Fluid is not that expensive so I may overdo it a bit.
• Close bleeder screw, remove tube and install protective cap
• Move to next bleeder (I usual go FL, FR, RL and RR)
• Fill reseviour to the required level and you are done.
Remember to closely monitor fluid in master reservoir so it does not run dry
You can see the old darkened fluid collecting in the bottle.
The bleed bottle may have to be emptied occasionally making sure to leave the end of the stand pipe submerged in fluid. (Tighten bleeder screw before removing)
Frankly if you are flexible enough you can perform the bleeding without removing wheels or raising the vehicle.
Bingo, clean fluid.
Hope this helps!
Or, you can get this (rather expensive) adapter from Amazon and fit it to your Motive Power Bleeder. I bought one because I've not had very good luck with the universal adapter.Bumping this thread. I have a motive power bleeder and use it on our vehicles. Going to be making a cap from a junk yard cap instead of using the clamp method shown. But this method is far superior to bleeding than any bleeding I've done.
Haha if this cap fails I'll get one. But I already grabbed one a while back from the junk yard. We moved a few months ago so I just need to find one of my 2 pipe thread taps.Or, you can get this (rather expensive) adapter from Amazon and fit it to your Motive Power Bleeder. I bought one because I've not had very good luck with the universal adapter.
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