Do I need a bleeding tool to bleed my brakes? The people on cycle gear says I need it. I told them as long as it kept the reservoir from emptying (above min mark) I shouldn't get air in the system. However they insisted that I get a bleeder tool. I refused to buy one. Now they got me second guessing myself.
I bleed my brakes/clutch today and all I used was a hose and some new brake fluid. This is what I did. Let me know if I did it right.
1. Hook up the tube to the bleeder valve.
2. Pumped the brakes a few times and hold it down.
3. Open the valve and let the fluid push out.
4. Close the valve
5. Repeat step 2-4 until the fluid coming out is clean.
6. Fill reservoir when it gets low to prevent emptying it out and letting air in the system
7. Test ride.
Sounds like how I did mine. I haven't crashed and died (yet).
that's all i use. why would you need more?
I've used a vacuum tool but it doesn't really make it faster.
You don't need anything. A vac can be helpful at times, like if you've had to replace a part of the system and it's dry. The vac can make pulling fluid a lot easier. But if you're just bleeding and you follow the steps you list you don't need anything but hose and a catch cup
I like the one man magnetic bleeder thingy. About $5 at Autozone. Your procedure sounds like what I do. Closing the bleed valve BEFORE letting go of the control lever each depressurization.
I would add:
Submerge hose into clear bottle partially filled with brake fluid. This does two things; keeps brake fluid off floor and allows you to see when all the air is out.
Quote from: howie on November 05, 2011, 10:08:07 PM
I would add:
Submerge hose into clear bottle partially filled with brake fluid. This does two things; keeps brake fluid off floor and allows you to see when all the air is out.
great idea.
might i also add, use a GLASS bottle. it's heavier and prevents the hose from knocking the bottle over.
i use a San Pelligrino bottle... My I-Talian bike likes it better.