Rags

[Ron Ragno]

Help: Has anyone used Speed Bleeders on their MB? I have a 1986 300SDL and now on my second Master Cylinder using Speed Bleeders. It seems as if I am jinxed. This is the second time in bleeding the barakes the Master Cylinder has gone out in the process of bleeding. Question:
Are the Speed Bleeder screws worth it? What might I be doing wrong?

[bwheitman]

That is interesting, I have had two freinds use speed bleeders and they both lost their master cylinders. After seeing that I decided to never use one. I use a device that hooks on to the nipple, it is a one man bleeder kit. I have never lost a master cylinder, change my brake fluid every 2 years and do it the old way.

[ozzy]

You can quite easily make your own "one man bleeder" all you need is a clear plastic bottle such as a coke bottle, a length of 6mm vacuum hose and a 6mm drill bit. All you need to do is drill two 6mm holes into the bottle cap, feed the vac hose through one hole, 1/4 fill the bottle with water, refit the cap with the hose just touching the bottom of the bottle, the other hole lets air escape as you bleed the brakes, and allows you to fit the other end of the hose when not in use.
Now all you do is sit the bottle on the ground, fit the hose to the bleed nipple and crack open the bleeder about 1/8 of a turn, pump the brakes about 8 times (keeping an eye on the fluid level) you don't need to pump all the way to the floor about halfway is sufficient, as you pump the fluid through, the water in the bottle prevents air from being drawn back into the system.
Tighten the bleeder, refit the bleed cap and your ready to bleed the next caliper.