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

[gordies garage]

I have had both types for many years.  The pressure bleeder (Gunsons ezibleed)
came with a connection for a tyre to supply the pressure.  I have since
modified it to connect to my compressor.  Just have to remember to reduce
pressure to under 20 psi.  This set up is my favorite, and the favorite of
many of my car club friends.  When I got mine, it came with many different
caps.  I don't think they come with multiple caps any longer, and cost more.
If you are using on an MG (as I do) and you are leaking from the master cyl,
then you have too much pressure for the bleeder or the MC is not tightened
properly.  Never had a problem with my MGs.

The HF, vacuum style I have works best for removing old fluid from the
reservoir.  When connected to a bleeder in the manner designed, I find it
sucks too much air from around the threads of the bleeder to make it effective
at actually changing the fluid.

Gordie Bird


--------------------------------------------------
From: "PJ McGarvey" <pj_mcgarvey at hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, February 28, 2014 3:44 PM
To: "Shop Talk" <shop-talk at autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: [Shop-talk] Pneumatic Brake Fluid Bleeder (Harbor Freight)
review!

> 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?
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