Mityvac MV8020 Vacuum Bleeder

[The Critic]

I need a vacuum bleeder to flush the brake fluid on my friend's Civic and on my father's van. The universal pressure bleeder attachment on my Motive is too cumbersome to use on the Civic, and is out of the question for the van.

Since I do not own a compressor, I am considering this tool from Mityvac:

http://www.mityvac.com/pages/products_hvpk.asp#MV8020

For about $40, it is relatively affordable for an occasional use tool. Has anyone used one of these before?

Thanks.

 

[demarpaint]

I was checking them out at Harbor Freight. I just bled the brakes on my Jeep to change out the Brake Fluid. All I did was crack open the bleeders one at a time starting with the right rear, and let gravity do its thing. It was very easy, next time I'll use my Miti Vac 7201 for the job.

 

[cjcride]

It's good buy it. How much does HF want for it?

 

[demarpaint]

HF wants $39.99 I saw them today in the HF store they opened near me.

 

[Trav]

Just gravity bleed it and save the $ for a few beers.

 

[wings&wheels]

Is this your first time w/ a vac bleeder?

if you are set on one of these bleeders. I would get the metal one with the vacuum gauge.

that said, i always found brake & clutch bleeding with these to be a bit of a challenge. I never seem to get a clear fluid stream, there are always bubbles from leaks around the bleeder threads or seal from the bleeder fitting to the bleeder nipple. You learn to "read" the bubbles to discern those inside vs. outside of the system.... They are OK, but i only use mine for clutches and brakes on cars that there is no Motive adapter for; TR6.

 

[wings&wheels]

also, the adapters do not always get a good seal on the bleeder. I bought a length of tubing that fits snugly over the bleed nipple and use that. After a few uses, I just cut off 1" or so and move on.

 

[The Critic]

Bump. Any other opinions?

Looking to sell my Motive and move to vacuum bleeding for better versatility.

How slow is this method of vacuum bleeding?

 

[TooManyWheels]

Have you considered a Phoenix V-12 bleeder? The disadvantage would be cost - The version with the case and bottle (in addition to the tool) is about 3X the one you reference.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
Have you considered a Phoenix V-12 bleeder? The disadvantage would be cost - The version with the case and bottle (in addition to the tool) is about 3X the one you reference.


Too much $$$ and looks iffy.

I think will get a Mityvac 7201 and the brake bleeding accessory tool kit. I should be all set for about $114.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Don't buy brake bleeding kit, Mityvac 7201 and 1 foot flexible hose(similar to the hose supplied with Motive Power Bleeder) for bleeder screw is all you need to bleed the brake . I used 7201 to bleed all my cars' brake with ease.

Connect to hose to bleeder screw, insert that hose into main suction hose, connect main section hose to 7201, pump 7201 3-4 times, release bleeder screw by 1/2 turn and brake fluid starts coming out, add brake fluid to reservoir as needed. Close bleeder screw when done before remove the hose.

 

[huffmuds9320]

I have that one except mine has a gauge, got it from Autozone a few years ago. In my opinion I found it does not work that good for brake bleeding. Even when I put grease or teflon tape around the bleeder screw, it doesn't seem like it has enough power to suck fluid. Plus those connectors and adapters don't seal that well from my experience. I mainly use it for sucking fluid out from the reservoir for like changing brake and power steering fluid which works great for that purpose.

Instead I use a more simple device. Clear tubing and a jar with partially filled brake fluid. Put some grease around the bleeder screw base first, then just crack open the bleeder screw and pump slowly. Just make sure the tubing is submerged in the brake fluid in the jar. It works surprisingly well and is a one person method.

 

[The Critic]

Decided to get the Mityvac MV7201 and Brake Bleeding Accessory Kit.

Yes, it is possible to improvise with the clear tubing method, but that is just not my style.

$101 shipped for everything. Does anyone need a brake fluid change? I can help!

 

[HTSS_TR]

You can also use 7201 to siphon ATF and oil too. I bought 7201 to do oil change in E430, then use it to do ATF and brake bleeding.