brake fluid extractor - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jsmith · #1 07-10-2004, 07:41 PM

anyone tried that "one man brake fluid extractor" that griots sells? they have a compressor driven one and pump one for those without a compressor (like me). i am inclined to try this since my pressurized bleeder leaks and i want to do my other cars which will require a special fitting. i heard bad reviews on the original mityvac. i believe this one is a chinese take-off on a newer mityvac unit. can anyone tell me what the original shortcomings were of the mityvac? anyone used the newer design?

Griotsgarage one man brake fluid extractor

Chevota · #2 07-10-2004, 08:21 PM

I made my own and use my shop vac for suction. Works like a champ. I can post a pix if you want to try that route.

jbaj007 · #3 07-10-2004, 08:39 PM

Don't know for sure, but, don't ABS systems require a pressure bleed and not a vacuum bleed? Someone smarter chime in.

#4 07-10-2004, 09:08 PM

You would really be better served with a pressure bleeder. The Master pressure bleeder works great and is even less expensive than the one you linked to.

I'm not sure where all you can get the Master unit. I answered an ad several years ago in Star magazine, but I know that there are many other places that sell it now. You might click on PartsShop above and email Phil. He might can get one for you.

I think I paid $54 for mine. Works great.

Have a great day,

jsmith · #5 07-11-2004, 12:41 AM

thanks for the input guys. i already made my own pressure bleeder and the piece i am having problems with is the cap i made which leaks around the fitting. also, the japanese cars i have will require special adapters which i know i can get from Motive, in fact, the Motive pressure bleeder with all the adapters they sell is around $80.

Motive Bleeder

i see at least someone has a suction type device (and yes i am interested in how you made it).

i'd like to hear from someone who has used both to weigh the pros and cons.

thanks

MB-Convert · #6 07-11-2004, 06:35 AM

and free shipping

http://www.apexperformance.net/securestore/c76206.2.html

jsmith · #7 07-11-2004, 09:49 AM

great! i'm ordering the import kit which is exactly what i need. beside, i know how to easily replace the pump parts - what i really need are the fittings...

300Dguy · #8 07-11-2004, 09:58 AM

I've tried both suction and pressure bleeders. (made my own pressure bleeder using a spare cap for my Volvo, not not for my 300D) The problem with suction bleeders is that you often end up sucking air from around the treads of the bleed nipple, and it's difficult to tell when the air is gone etc.

tvpierce · #9 07-11-2004, 12:04 PM

I have a Motive pressure system - with European connection -- that works great. I've always thought the Universal adapters looked like they would be problematic.
If I had to bleed a Japanese system, I'd consider buying a replacement brake reservoir cap for the car, and modifying it (drill hole in top/add tubing barb) rather than going the Universal route.

Just food for thought.

jeff Pierce

jsmith · #10 07-11-2004, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tvpierce
If I had to bleed a Japanese system, I'd consider buying a replacement brake reservoir cap for the car, and modifying it (drill hole in top/add tubing barb) rather than going the Universal route.

Just food for thought.

jeff Pierce

been there - i have a couple of nissans (actually a mercury villager and an infiniti g20). the caps have a very shallow thread and will not hold pressure which i found out the hard way. motive has an adapter for japanese cars that's included in the import kit which basically clamps down a cap over the reservoir...

Chevota · #11 07-11-2004, 01:31 PM

Ok, I’m clearly out numbered on this one, so please explain the advantage of the pressure vs vacuum because this novice just can’t see it.

Here is why I used vacuum: With vacuum you can top off the reservoir without stopping. The air bubbles are much larger, therefore easier to remove. One size fits all, no caps to buy. Very cheap and easy to make. Can change fluid w/o leaking a drop.

My abs car is about due for a fluid swap, so let me know if I'm gunna ruin it.
Thanks

jsmith · #12 07-11-2004, 05:01 PM

i think the weak point of the vacuum systems is the quality of the seal around the bleeding nipple. if it's not snug then you could be seeing bubbles around there. i'm still not 100% sold on the pressure system (i made one that i'm not 100% happy with) but i think well made fittings will take care of my complaints...