syntrix

I emailed them tonight based on another thread and got a response about an hour later:

wakeech

...i'm unfamiliar...

this is for brakes??

Gord96BRG

Yup - check out that web link, it shows a cross-section of the Speedbleeder bleed screw. It incorporates a spring-loaded check ball which allows brake bleeding to be a one-person operation. You install one bleed screw on each caliper, replacing the OEM bleed screws (and you can also install one in the clutch slave cylinder, if you want to bleed the clutch). They've been popular in the Miata community for many years, and work extremely well. I have a set on my Miata.

Regards,
Gordon

blizz81

So these have a following in the miata community?

Most of the "popular word" I've heard about one-man bleeders is that people think they don't work, but I don't think said people have ever tried them either. Wouldn't it still kind of be a two-person job, in that one person would inspect the fluid in the lines and top off the fluid in the reservoir if need be?

When you unscrew bleeder valve screws, does any fluid leak out at all? Just curious.

This would be perfect right now in that I can't seem to get a wrench on and turn my lower clutch bleeder screw, but I can get to the valve itself.

Ned M

iTrader: (2)

Syntrix, would you make this a sticky, please? I've used Speedbleeders for ~ 4 years and they really do make life better.

Another plus w/the Speedbleeder is that the thread coating keeps the bleed screw from becoming stuck in the caliper. If you've ever broken off a rarely-used bleeder screw trying to get it loose, you know what I mean.

syntrix

Also, for the serious enthusiast, these make bleeding every year or less very simple!

If you do replace them, here's a tip:

Take a rubber glove and open the brake fluid resevior. Stretch it over the top to make an air tight seal. Put the cap back on, not super tight, but firm.

The purpose here is that less fluid will leak out of the valve when it's replaced. Same could be applied to installation of stainless lines. The vacuum will result in less mess for sure, and I've done this on MANY cars with GREAT results!

I'm going to order some next week!

syntrix

Here's an email I got back from them. Don't want to step on any advertising toes, but I think they are more specialty.....

Gord96BRG

Yep!

Quote:

Most of the "popular word" I've heard about one-man bleeders is that people think they don't work, but I don't think said people have ever tried them either. Wouldn't it still kind of be a two-person job, in that one person would inspect the fluid in the lines and top off the fluid in the reservoir if need be?

Most of those one-man kits have some sort of hose that fits over the regular bleed screws - that still lets too much air get back around the threads of the screw or in the process. The Speedbleeders use s special thread coating to prevent any air leaking back around the threads, and have a check ball inside the screw itself. They do work very well.

If you know about how many strokes of the pedal it takes to flush out the old brake fluid, and know how many strokes it takes before needing to refill the master cylinder, then it's really easy to do with just the one person. Loosen the screw, attatch a tube for the drain bottle to catch the brake fluid, then go step on the brake pedal 10 or 15 times, just like regular brake bleeding (without the "open"...(press and hold)..."close"...(release)..."open"... etc cycle for two people). Then tighten the Speedbleeder screw, refill the master cylinder, and move on to the next wheel. It's very quick.

Quote:

When you unscrew bleeder valve screws, does any fluid leak out at all? Just curious.

Nope, none leaks out, and no air gets in. I guess if you unscrewed the screw too far, but you'd nearly have to remove them for this to be a problem. They are very effective.

Regards,
Gordon

eccles

Mark me down as another happily satisfied Speedbleeder user.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Me three.
I had them on the MX-3, I have them on the Miata and I will install them when the time comes to bleed the brakes on the RX-8.
They work EXACTLY as advertised.

G8rboy

Same here- used them for the last couple years on my Miata for both the brakes and the clutch slave cylinder (I'm curious to see if there's a speedbleeder for our RX8's clutch as well) and they work as advertised- completely one-man job and allows no air back into the system. It really makes you not dread the annual fluid refresh... and they're cheap!

Speed Racer

When I order my set they told me that I would need the following sizes:

Front: M8 x 1.0
Rear: M7 x 1.0
Clutch: M7 x 1.0

syntrix

F/R match the part numbers at the top.

Clutch is the same as the rears.

So for a full set:

SB8100 x 2
SB7100 x 3

Doctorr

Sounds like a great idea, but I have to ask you guys (Gord, Speedracer, Syntrix)
did you ever order and install them?

I did.

The sizes are close, but no cigar.

Fronts are not SB8100, they are SB7100.

Clutch IS SB7100

However, the back calipers take some kind of 10mm thread.

I have contacted 'Mr.Bleeder', and await a reply.....
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doc

NavyDood

Summit Racing you get 2 in a pack for $9.88

They are the Russell Brand. They have 13 different sizes on the website to choose from.

Speed Racer

I hate admitting this but I still have my Speed Bleeders sitting on the bench and have not gotten around to installing them.

NavyDood

Understandable. I wouldn't swap them out just to do it for no reason. WEll, unless of course it was a rainy day and I wa bored. :D

Nice to have though when the time arises.

wakeech

make sure to stock up on "just in case" DOT 4 or 5 brake fluid too.

terbeaux

I've had them on my Miata for years. They work great and really make it convienient before track days. All you need is some aquarium tubing and a jar to go along with them. I'll get a set for the 8 soon.

syntrix

I never got them, but the info I posted was from emailing SB's directly. Sorry it has changed, but was just sharing their info that they sent me.

Doctorr

Mr. Bleeder is, shall we say, 'tardy' when it comes to replying to a customer problem......

I have e-mailed him twice in the last two weeks, quite politely, informing him of his misleading information, and asking how I can get the 10mm screws I need.

Nothing, not a form letter, not an "I'll get back to you," nothing.

I would be hesitant to recommend his products, maybe go with the 'Russell' bleeders.
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doc

Doctorr

You might want to buy your 'bleeders' from someone other than the Speedbleeders site.

It is now a month since I installed the ones that DID fit, and notified them that their database was radically wrong about the RX-8. No acknowledgement, no emails returned, just nothing.

Will try to find some locally to fit the rears, but they sure as hell won't be Speedbleeder brand........
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doc

Doctorr

Just me, still whining.

Still no acknowledgement that they screwed up, nothing.

Nubo

Maybe your emails or their responses aren't reaching destination? Have you tried phoning them? This is a selfish question since I was thinking about getting the speedbleeders.

B-Nez

Which ones did you order that did NOT fit? I just ordered the SB7100 for my clutch slave cylinder the other day.