[Shop-talk] Pneumatic Brake Fluid Bleeder (Harbor Freight) review!

[PJ McGarvey]

The motive is good, but my experience is that those types of bleeders (~50 psi
max) are good for refreshing the fluid, for track days, regular maintenance,
etc.  They definitely have a purpose.
But when you crack open a line, change calipers or master cylinder, you will
likely be needing a helper to pump the pedal to generate the 1-2000 psi or so
line pressures needed to move air bubbles out and know when the pedal gets
harder.  8 year old daughters are enthusiastic but lack the dedication to such
tasks, wives get to brag to their friends they helped fix the brakes last
weekend.  Having the car cooled or heated to room temperature helps too ;-)
More on the motive.. not sure if it came with add'l caps that I just
misplaced, but mine fits the reservoir on my VWs but not my 05 Subaru.  So
ymmv.  Make sure the oring on the cap doesn't get lost and is clean or you
will not get a good seal.  Store it properly especially the plastic hose, mine
seems to have gotten a bit weary from a combination of leaving it filled with
brake fluid and the hose getting kinked and so it never returns to its normal
elasticity and is kind of difficult to work with.
Don't open the container while pressurized, or brake fluid will spray like a
hump back whale.
-PJ
> I literally just bought the Motive bleeder, hope to use it this weekend.
> Wish I'd seen the HF one sooner.
>
> Anyone got tips for the Motive, or is it more-or-less idiot-proof?