Notices
Series I Tech Garage The place to discuss anything technical about the RX-8 that doesn't fit into any of the categories below.

Q: Speed Bleeders versus Bleeder Kit

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 10-25-2006, 09:16 AM
  #1  
Rotary Public
Thread Starter
 
Paul_in_DC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Northern Virginia near DC
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Q: Speed Bleeders versus Bleeder Kit

Self-bleeding (so to speak) is on my wish list. I'm considering speed bleeders, but I also see these one-person bleeder kits for $20-$30 (US) on eBay and at the parts stores. From what I've read, it seems the kits do basically the same thing as speed bleeders... For anybody who has used both, is there any advantage to speed bleeders?
Old 10-25-2006, 01:53 PM
  #2  
Rotary Wanker
 
Ericok's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I've always used a MityVac which allows you to bleed the brakes without having to get in and out of a car that's sitting on a jack stand. Seems that using SpeedBleeders would make the job a no-brainer though.

My only complaint with MityVac is you have to put some grease around the base of the bleed screw. If you don't, the MityVac will try to draw some air past the threads.
Old 10-25-2006, 02:06 PM
  #3  
Registered User
 
sonicblue6's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mine goes round and round
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Speed Bleeders work as advertised. However, there's still some in-and-out of the car to do. The MityVac - just looking at the specs quickly - look like a great alternative. Although, actually, I'd consider them in tandem. Just thread a bit of teflon on the bleeder when you install it to keep fluid from getting through the threads (sound like the Mity creates a lot of pressure). Together, I think you're looking at, what, $100 and you could probably bleed your system as easily as check the tire pressure!
Old 10-25-2006, 05:33 PM
  #4  
I love GOOOLD
iTrader: (1)
 
Im_DANomite's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Severn, MD
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
i use a bleeder hooked up to shop air...sucks it all out in less than 10 mins.
Old 10-25-2006, 06:06 PM
  #5  
An RX ate my baby
 
corners's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: A swirling eddy of electronic mayhem
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You can get a one-man bleeder bottle for $7 from Harbor Freight. I've used mine on many cars, and I just chuck it and get a new one when it gets too dirty or the hoses fall apart.

I also have a mightyvac but the one man bleeder works just as well. You want good thread seals on the bleeder screws no matter what method you use. It helps to only crack them open them enough to let fluid out.
Old 10-25-2006, 09:46 PM
  #6  
Rotary Wanker
 
Ericok's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by corners
You can get a one-man bleeder bottle for $7 from Harbor Freight. I've used mine on many cars, and I just chuck it and get a new one when it gets too dirty or the hoses fall apart.

I also have a mightyvac but the one man bleeder works just as well. You want good thread seals on the bleeder screws no matter what method you use. It helps to only crack them open them enough to let fluid out.
It's only $4.99. I've also used the hose with the one-way valve at the end. That works too. Sometimes, I use a reverse bleeder. Just obsessed with bleeding brakes.
Old 10-26-2006, 05:16 PM
  #7  
Lubricious
 
Nubo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: SF Bay Area, California
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
I was going to get some speed bleeders but I realized it's an over-engineered solution to a problem that is much more easily solved. Get someone to pump the brakes for you.
Old 10-28-2006, 09:30 AM
  #8  
Rotary Public
Thread Starter
 
Paul_in_DC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Northern Virginia near DC
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
You can buy one of these off eBay for $25 or less and accomplish the same thing with one person. Or you can get the fancier version with the carrying case for $50. --> MITYVAC

Old 10-30-2006, 03:03 PM
  #9  
Registered
iTrader: (3)
 
dsmdriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Nubo
I was going to get some speed bleeders but I realized it's an over-engineered solution to a problem that is much more easily solved. Get someone to pump the brakes for you.
Not quite.

When someone pumps for you, you have to crack the bleeder open and closed. The bleeders don't have sealant on the threads, so you should really stop before the pedal is at the floor. It's possible to do, and just fine if you only bleed every year or so.

If you bleed all the time (track days), then the speed bleeders are handy even with a friend.
Old 11-27-2006, 01:56 PM
  #10  
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
User24's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: California, Chula Vista, Otay Ranch
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
I found the bleed valve on the caliper, and am wondering if it is necessary to remove the tire in order to bleed the brakes, install speedbleeders, or unscrew the stock oem bleed valve.

Last edited by User24; 11-27-2006 at 01:59 PM.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GARCIAC951
Series I Tech Garage
8
09-10-2015 07:17 PM
ed0128
New Member Forum
7
09-09-2015 04:50 PM
mattymack
New Member Forum
2
09-06-2015 10:33 PM
wayloco
RX-8's For Sale/Wanted
0
09-01-2015 09:03 PM



You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Q: Speed Bleeders versus Bleeder Kit



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:35 PM.