Bleeding my brakes.

[mysticbluex3]

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.

[StephenC]

Sounds like how I did mine. I haven't crashed and died (yet).

[ducatiz]

that's all i use.  why would you need more?

I've used a  vacuum tool but it doesn't really make it faster.

[Slide Panda]

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

[WetDuc]

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.

[Howie]

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.

[corey]

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.