Bleeding brakes

[81AirCooled]

At some point I need to check the front left caliper and bleed that one brake. I'm thinking of getting the Draper kit from JK http://www.justkampers.com/shop/type_25 ... 37316.html

The description says it's for 1 person bleeding which I need as my wife certainly won't help. How easy is this to use and do I need any other bits for the bleeding?

Thanks

[jamesc76]

How old is the fluid in your van?? over 2 years old and it should be all replaced! those easy bleeds are ok but if your not 100% with bleeding get a garage to do it, after all thats the only bit that wil stop you!

[Ralf85]

That's what I say when there is a problem with them. Get your trusted garage to do it for the reason give above.
Patrick

[81AirCooled]

mmmm, I'll have to get the van to the garage though, with 1 brake caliper

[tetleysid]

81aircooled....... . . firstly if you are not skilled or competent at brake bleeding leave it to a professional however if you want to carry out this task I think you might be dissapointed with that bleed kit? from JK's......... . . these are really only a bottle with a tube that has a small slit in it (the so called one way valve) a better method is pressure bleeding but unless you are using the kit regularly its hardly worth the expense.
Here is a helpful link for you........ . . . http://www.eurosportacc.com/motive_powe ... e_line.htm

[sarran1955]

Hello,

Just read your query, and the first thing I would say is if you intend to do the brakes yourself, you must do both fronts, and or rears at same time.

Very important is to be able to release the bleed screws, usually 7mm on top and 6mm on bottom. Use penetrating oil. If there is any question of them not coming undone with more than a firm pull with a good quality ring spanner, then leave it to a pro.

Brakes are generally recognised to be a good thing.

Cordialement,

[81AirCooled]

Thanks all, looks like I'm going to have to get it down the garage for bleeding once I've changed the caliper.

[T25Convert]

Hi,

If you change the caliper your van will be undrivable until you bleed the system - the other three brakes will not work....

Reason being is that the air you introduce in changing the caliper is compressible, so when you put the brake peddle down, the air will just compress in that line, and no pressure will be applied to the other caliper or the rear brakes, and its along way to a agrage just using the cable opertaed hand brake!!

If you are confident enough to fit the new caliper, then bleeding the system should be within your capability. Just do whats said above check you nipples are free, and take you time. Check your manual as well, as there is a certain order to do it in.

Cheers,

Alex

[kevtherev]

Buy a pressure bleeder, they are ACE! use it to change ALL your fluid then sell it...

[dugcati]

Buy a pressure bleeder, they are ACE! use it to change ALL your fluid then sell it...

apart from selling it on I couldnt agree more - I bought one of these and did the whole van from dry after replacing ALL the lined in about 20 mins!

[ianboydsnr]

Buy a pressure bleeder, they are ACE! use it to change ALL your fluid then sell it...

if you have an air supply then buy an air vacuume bleeder kit, if not buy one with a hand pump, definatly easy and one person operating.

like

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sealey-VS020-Vacu ... 5632d296a9

or without air

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mityvac-MV8000-Au ... 4839f4048e

[sarran1955]

Hello,

Pressure or vacuum bleeder, buy it once, use it a couple of times, it will pay for itself compared to garage tarifs .

Also so less messy than plastic pipe and jamjar.

Brake fluid should be completely changed about every 2 years, read Haynes

Remember to use GOOD QUALITY ring spanners.

Happy bleeding.


Cordialement,

[Ralf85]

I know the problem. You can't live with em and you can't live without em!

Patrick