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Topic: Anyone using ''speed bleeders'' on their brake calipers for a brake flush? (Read 464 times) previous topic - next topic
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Anyone using ''speed bleeders'' on their brake calipers for a brake flush?
If so, what brand and how are they working out?      I'm about to do my first brake flush.
2017 Newmar Canyon Star
2002 Lazy Daze MB
2005 Honda CRV Toad
Re: Anyone using ''speed bleeders'' on their brake calipers for a brake flush?
Reply #1 –
I have used them on my sports car for standard brake bleeding, and they worked as advertised.  Haven't done a full flush with them, though.  I suppose they could get clogged by sediment/crustiness, but hopefully you're not anywhere near that point.  Don't remember brand, but I got them at Jegs (local).

This would be a good time to inspect flex hoses for cracking/sponginess, too. 

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Anyone using ''speed bleeders'' on their brake calipers for a brake flush?
Reply #2 –
Hello there,

I have speed bleeders on two Corvettes I own.  Yes, they do work as advertised but are susceptible to crud in your brake lines as mentioned earlier.  I may be "weird" but I like to flush all my brake lines every five years on all my vehicles and I am very particular as to what kind of Brake fluid I use in the particular vehicle.

I finally got tired of using my pressure bleeder from the master cylinder and I bought a Phoenix Bleeder which is a manual pumping device that allows me to flow backwards towards the master cylinder.  The Phoenix bleeder has saved my butt on several occasions where the ABS system makes it harder to flush.  It worked great on my Chevy Pickup with a hydraulic clutch, no mechanic before ever had the pedal as firm as it was after I used my Phoenix V-12 Bleeder.

This might seem an expensive alternative but it will last you the rest of your life.  It is so easy to flush the brake system it is no longer on my "Hate to do" list.  Those long brake lines are no match for pressure pushing up the bubbles in the system.

Good Luck with your Brake systems updates, your life will depend on it!
Chris and Carolyn McCloskey
Fairfax, Virginia
Re: Anyone using ''speed bleeders'' on their brake calipers for a brake flush?
Reply #3 –
Bought the speed bleeders today from speed bleeders dot com for about $30.    For those who have a brake flush done by a shop, these valves won't be of much interest.    My LD is in Baja and something I can do myself.    The valves allow one way brake fluid flow.      Unlike non-speed bleeders, it won't be necessary to tighten and then loosen the valve each time after pumping the brake pedal (to avoid air entering the brake line).     With the new valves in place, loosen the valve 1/4 turn or so, pump the brake pedal 4-5 times, checking the brake fluid drain container as it turns from dark fluid to clear fluid., and making sure the master cylinder has more fluid added.     The process should be a little easier but not a big deal.

Brake lines are 15 years old and original so I'm replacing them too if needed.      Can anyone tell me about this procedure?     I think the ''flex'' lines probably attach to each caliper but don't know.     If anyone has done this, any advice would be appreciated.  Tx.

(In the meantime, I'm still researching this stuff.)

2017 Newmar Canyon Star
2002 Lazy Daze MB
2005 Honda CRV Toad
Re: Anyone using ''speed bleeders'' on their brake calipers for a brake flush?
Reply #4 –
We have a set on the LD. Three still work, one is plugged.
I usually will use either a power bleeder or gravity bleed it, depending on how big a rush I'm in.

Power bleeding sometimes is the only way to bleed a hydraulic clutch.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Anyone using ''speed bleeders'' on their brake calipers for a brake flush?
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Leland1  - 

Brake lines are 15 years old and original so I'm replacing them too if needed.      Can anyone tell me about this procedure?     I think the ''flex'' lines probably attach to each caliper but don't know.     If anyone has done this, any advice would be appreciated.  Tx.

(In the meantime, I'm still researching this stuff.)


i recently bought new loaded calipers, bearings, seals and soft lines and redid almost all of it on my 99. the only think i didn't change were the rear soft lines. normally, the banjo fitting bolts onto the caliper, and a normal threaded fitting screws into where the hardline connects to the new softline. on my front, they were this way, but on the rears, the rear axle hardline was welded one piece with the soft line. the replacement rear softlines were threaded to accept a threaded fitting from the hardline, but i would have to have gone out and fabricated, or at least bent up, new hardlines to go to the new soft lines, so i skipped those for now.
1999 MB