Re: Changing fluids

[Jaap Bouma <j.h.bouma@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

<snip>
3 - if at all possible, this job is much easier with an assistant.  Yes,
I know there are various "one-man brake bleeding kits" available (the
Lisle kit just described is one such), but it's much easier with one
person to pump the pedal and another to turn the wrench and watch the
hose for color, condition and bubbles.


4 - there are those who swear by a device called the Mity-Vac.  This is
basically a hand-operated vacuum pump which you apply to the bleed
nipple;
<major snip>

Regarding the above, let me make the following bold statement: 
Bleeding brakes is absolutely by far the easiest on your own...

And now for the proviso:
... provided you have a high pressure bleeding device such as the Gunson
Eezibleed. I'm not sure it's sold in the States, but basically it consists
of a plastic bottle that you fill with brake fluid. Connect this bottle to
the brake fluid reservoir by means of a siphon tube. The bottle is
pressurized with the pressure in your spare tyre. Thus, brake fluid is
forced into the reservoir under considerable pressure. To bleed, simply
open the bleed nipple of each brake (and clutch slave cyl.) in turn. The
old fluid with contaminations and air bubbles is forced through the brake
lines and out through the nipple in a continuous flow. Close the nipple
when clear new fluid appears. The result: the best bled brakes in the
country. Air doesn't have a chance of getting into the system: the
reservoir is supplemented from the bottle, and because the system is
pressurized, no air will find its way past the threads of the nipples.

On a precautionary note: where applicable (e.g. late GTV6), make sure that
the hose from the brake fluid reservoir to the clutch master cylinder can
take the pressure. If necessary, fit hose clamps. The alternative is an
engine bay respray that you didn't know was coming...
Btw, I know that several European mail order companies such as Demon Tweeks
sell the Gunson kit.

Happy bleeding! ;-)

Just for the record: no financial interest bla bla....

Best, Jaap Bouma (Netherlands)
'87 GTV6 2.5 Grand Prix

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