Brake Speed Bleeders

[ANUSTART]

I'm doing a flush this weekend and wondered if anyone was using speed bleeders and if they are worth the money and effort. They aren't too expensive or much effort, but will skip if it's pointless.

I looked at the Motive pressure bleeder and will skip it this go around. Just doing an old school fill and bleed.

Thanks all!

[Finnegan]

Ask Shipkiller about the Speedies, he has them I believe.

Some folks use the Motive w/o fluid as a pressurizer, refilling the MC as needed per wheel, which is what I'm going to do the next time. Less chance of mess IMO, and better control of the fluid. Nothing wrong with the traditional method either if you've got a partner--my buddy and I actually did that for one wheel for grins.

[tman53]

The Motive is worth the investment. I'm only sorry I didn't purchase one a long time ago.

[ANUSTART]

Where did you guys get your Motive bleeders?

[Finnegan]

Direct from Motive. I got the "Black Label European" (best quality cap) and if I recall it was about 70 bucks.

[MFGJR]

I have speed bleeders installed. Note that a pressure bleeder really doesn't put enough pressure into the system to overcome the springs in the bleeders, but you can still bleed via pumping the pedal. Reviews on them are mixed, but I like 'em. Especially, if you need to do a quick bleed at the track.

[pal]

I have had Speed Bleeders for over 2 years now (on OE calipers and now on the StopTechs). If you bleed brakes more than once or twice a year these are def worth the money. Speed Bleeders with a second person pushing the pedal has worked out great to quickly bleed the calipers and get good pedal feel.

[ANUSTART]

Thanks for all the input! Now I am considering holding off and ordering the Motive. Hmmm. Sounds like it could work out better for a solo brake flush. Looks like they have an adapter for my motorcycle as well. As always great help on here!

[MFGJR]

Originally Posted by pal

Speed Bleeders with a second person pushing the pedal...

Or you can do it all by yourself--that's the beauty of speed bleeders.

[ANUSTART]

I just got the part numbers for the Speed Bleeders for my 2005 non-M. Not sure if all use the same valve or not. This was the reply from them:

The size(s) for your application is as follows:

Front.....SB8125L
Rear......SB8125L

When ordering Speed Bleeder consider also ordering the bag and hose Combo. The bag is like an IV bag. It comes with 30 inches of silicone hose. When one end is attached to the bag and the other end is attached to the Speed Bleeder, it makes the messy job of bleeding brakes neat and clean. Both are reusable.

Speed Bleeder is also available in 303 Stainless Steel. The nipple is polished to a brilliant gloss for that custom look. To order the stainless steel version go to "Secure Ordering" and at the top of the page you will see a box "Stainless Steel". Click on this heading and all the sizes available in stainless steel will drop down.

[beta]

Found this thread. Ron also ordered a bleeder for the clutch slave. I might join you in ordering some.

[santov]

I'm a huge fan of Speedbleeders on motorcycles. But on my cars I just use my MityVac to suck the fluid out. Plus the MityVac can be used for oil changes, ATF, diff or any other fluid where draining it first will make the job easier.

I also use the MityVac to vacuum out (dentist style) the old oil as soon as I take the oil filter housing out. This will save about .25 of a quart of dirty oil going down into the bowels of the engine.

And every time I change the oil I suck the brake MC dry and refill with fresh fluid.

[beta]

Good point Santov. I wonder why speed bleeders don't have a second nut to loosen for bleeding, instead of loosening the whole assembly. From reading around the web the only issue people have occasionally is leaking from the threads; which is why they use a sealant.

[inTgr8r]

^this is why I don't use them.
I guess I'm still old school but I feel that I get a better pedal with the 2 person pump up method too.
JMO, but with the pedal pump up method, the fluid gets a good shot through the system & helps break away any tiny bits of air clinging in nooks & crannies.

[ANUSTART]

I'll post back photos and thoughts on them. They are based in Illinois so suspect they will be here by next weekend. I agree on the sealing issues. If you track the car, this may not be the best option. Too much open/closed too often.

[ANUSTART]

Got the Speedbleeders in last week. They showed up pretty quick since they are based in Illinois. Build quality is great. They are super easy to install and I had the whole project done in about an hour. If you want to do your brakes solo, this is a great way to go. And the bleeder bag and hose are well worth the $6 extra. I am going to post up a DIY on this in the next couple days. I highly recommend it.

[RADRACR]

I'll be ordering these today. Seems like a no-brainer to me. No expensive pressure bleeder and peace of mind by pumping the brakes like the "old school" method. You can buy an extra tube of thread sealant so this seems like a perfect solution to bleeding brakes solo. Am I miss something?

Also, a question about bleeding the clutch...

Is it necessary to get under the car and mess with the clutch valve if I want to flush the system? Aren't brakes the important item? My novice mind seems like the clutch should be fine as-is.

[Shipkiller]

I have Speedbleeders on all my cars and I have a pressure bleeder. I have used the pressure bleeder ONCE in the last three years.

[elerner61]

Originally Posted by aestheticstorm

My novice mind seems like the clutch should be fine as-is.

It'll be fine....until it isn't. When you start seeing fluid on the garage floor from a leaking slave cylinder...that's the sign it isn't.

[RADRACR]

Originally Posted by elerner61

It'll be fine....until it isn't. When you start seeing fluid on the garage floor from a leaking slave cylinder...that's the sign it isn't.

Good point. Since I'll be tracking the car a few times a year, do you think I can do the clutch less often though? Like once every 2 years? While I do the brakes more frequently?

[mike87]

i have the motive bleeder, one of the best $60 i ever spent.

[MFGJR]

Originally Posted by aestheticstorm

Good point. Since I'll be tracking the car a few times a year, do you think I can do the clutch less often though? Like once every 2 years? While I do the brakes more frequently?

I've found that the clutch is noticeably more pleasant with a regular bleed, but it sure is a PITA to do. One day, I'll finish the remote bleeder for it...