This seems to look awfully similar to the Motive unit and is available at Lowe's for about $10. If I could fashion a hose that attaches to a brake reservoir cap (as shown in the p-car link earlier in this thread), could I make my own Motive bleeder for $15?

Sprayer

If the thing won't crap out like a cheap squirt bottle after exposure to brake fluid.

Plastics are vary interesting. Each plastic has different properties when reacted with various chemicals. I would assume that motive uses a plastic that resists brake fluid. The walls of the motive brake bleeder are close to 6mm (1/4 inch).

Today I bleeded the brakes on my 1983 300CD.

I heard a little air leak as I was bleeding the brakes coming from maybe the master cylinder reservoir.

Now, when I push the pedal down it sounds like the brake booster is making some noise, similar to if you use the old fashioned method of (down-up) brake bleeding. I dont know whats going on. Any ideas?

-the caps on the top of the reservior (what are the for anyway)

My mastercylinder and brake lines are less than a year old.

My front calipers are rebuilt as of a month ago (560SEL front brakes)

My rear calipers need to be rebuilt the dust sheilds seals are starting to crack.

I also have a older Vacula. I Have Owned it for 20 plus years
Used it at the dealership and at my Shop...Still use it for Fluid
Flushes at home...Its Pricey...But it has Been a Good
Investment...

Side Note Griots has a one that looks just like the Vacula

Hey mark,

Do you have a picture of the one you have or a picture of the one that you recommend?

The Only pic I Have is in the Griots cat page 75 [url]
http://www.griotsgarage.com/search.jsp?searchtext=brake+bleeder&search.x=17&search.y=6
looks Just like the Vacula unit!

I Have Used the Pressure type with Mixed results with to much pressure on the bleeder the cap is the weak link
Seen the cap Blow off and Wipe out the Paint Job!:eek:
Thats When I Bought My Vacula...Yet another lesson learned

Usually only 10-15psi is needed to pressure bleed, and I've heard 25-30psi may be needed for some ABS systems (mine works ok at 15psi though). Pressure high enough to blow the cap off is waaaay too much. Unless you're talking about the little rubber buttons on top, which should be replaced every 5-10 years anyway (they get hard and don't seal anymore).

:)

RE; One Person brake bleeders
 

I am not too sure what kind of unit to purchase. They all look promising . I spoke to several company's and got different opinions about how to use their equipment and what accessories each brake bleed came with.

I have a shop with a 20 gallon air compressor so I can go either way. I like the unite from harbor freight it looks like it a serious contender any one try it?

Perhaps someone brave enough should do an article on one person brake bleeder and split them up in to categories of price and air ,electric and manual pump style. Points going toward ease of use ,reliability ,options, build quality and time required to do a flush and refill of the brake fluid system.
Total points one point each and 5 stars for best and 1 star for worst.

I alway like these articles that test tools. that help direct you to feathers ,options and good & bad .

Bob Geco
tool junkie

If you are looking for a more professional brake bleeder, you could not go wrong with Speedi-Bleed, which is used by my Mercedes dealerships.

http://www.speedibleed.com

I just ordered the Motive from this site for $44.95 + $9.60 shipping. Best price I could find:
http://www.hrpworld.com/index.cfm?form_prod_id=976,975,587_4916&action=product

Motive has a new one called BLACK SERIES and it has a swivel adapter.. I just got that one last summer, very nice.

I almost bought that one myself, but figured I'd go with the standard European bleeder for $20 less. I did like the swivel feature and the SS braided hose, but I think after using the one I bought, I would rather have a clear hose to help make sure I'm not pushing air.

I'll have to look around on the internet and see if I can locate a swivel fitting to "upgrade" the standard European Bleeder.

Hmm...my black series bleeder has clear tubing. Maybe the SS tubing is a new deal.

Yeah you can buy the adapter later if you want. You will love it. Now I have 3 motive bleeders. Standard euro, black series, and their magnum that does it all.