DIY power bleeder

[Ray S]

I used a professional $300 power bleeder once and then just had to make my own. Small HD garden sprayer and a few odd parts. I was worried that the pump seal might not like DOT3 but it turned out to not be the case.
The RV has 7 brake bleed ports and it is a LOT easier than the old pump and fill and better than a vacuum type.
I just buy a fresh quart of Prestone 3 and pump it all through whenever needed.
This is for the old Dodge single system - very important to maintain.

 

[Silver]

So... you prime the hose then hook it up?

 

[Ray S]

So... you prime the hose then hook it up?

yes, not critical since it just dumps into the reservoir, same as the Branick I used
https://www.mile-x.com/branick-g300-pressure-brake-bleeder

I just saw this one for cheap
https://www.vevor.com/fluid-evacuat...ressure-bleeder-fluid-pump-kit-p_010186663543
but you still need the proper thing to fit over the cap if it doesn't fit yours

 

[Brons2]

I used a professional $300 power bleeder once and then just had to make my own. Small HD garden sprayer and a few odd parts. I was worried that the pump seal might not like DOT3 but it turned out to not be the case.
The RV has 7 brake bleed ports and it is a LOT easier than the old pump and fill and better than a vacuum type.
I just buy a fresh quart of Prestone 3 and pump it all through whenever needed.
This is for the old Dodge single system - very important to maintain.

View attachment 123908

Is that your RV in the profile pic?

 

[twouvakind]

yes, not critical since it just dumps into the reservoir, same as the Branick I used
https://www.mile-x.com/branick-g300-pressure-brake-bleeder

I just saw this one for cheap
https://www.vevor.com/fluid-evacuat...ressure-bleeder-fluid-pump-kit-p_010186663543
but you still need the proper thing to fit over the cap if it doesn't fit yours

Whatever you do, avoid Vevor. The 1.5l fluid extractor I bought from them ended up in the trash.

 

[Ray S]

Is that your RV in the profile pic?

yes, and sig

 

[Ray S]

Whatever you do, avoid Vevor. The 1.5l fluid extractor I bought from them ended up in the trash.

good to know! I took a chance with the $12 HD pump sprayer
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Chapin-2-l-Multi-Purpose-Handheld-Sprayer-10031/315657781

 

[Schurkey]

"Garden-sprayer" brake bleeders do not separate the hygroscopic brake fluid from the humidity in the air used to pressurize them. The fluid is partially-contaminated from the time it's pumped-into the brake reservoir.

GM service manuals specifically warn against this type of brake pressure-bleeder.

A "real" brake pressure bleeder--like that Branick (and others)--uses a rubber diaphragm to separate the fluid from the pressurizing air.

 

[Marcozi]

"Garden-sprayer" brake bleeders do not separate the hygroscopic brake fluid from the humidity in the air used to pressurize them. The fluid is partially-contaminated from the time it's pumped-into the brake reservoir.

GM service manuals specifically warn against this type of brake pressure-bleeder.

A "real" brake pressure bleeder--like that Branick (and others)--uses a rubber diaphragm to separate the fluid from the pressurizing air.

Good points.

 

[Ray S]

"Garden-sprayer" brake bleeders do not separate the hygroscopic brake fluid from the humidity in the air used to pressurize them. The fluid is partially-contaminated from the time it's pumped-into the brake reservoir.

Very true.
I had pumped the whole quart(s) through within minutes of opening and filling though, and it's very dry here.
Always ill advised to use an old half-used bottle, or leave a bottle or the cap open for long. I used to use welding gas to floor containers but the tank is out of hydro.