Motive power bleeder

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supton

supton

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I see that they make a fitting for Toyota, but do they work ok for that application? Can one change brake fluid types in one of these without issue? I need something so I can change calipers on my Jetta but my Toyotas are due for brake flushes.

I'd rather get a mityvac but so far opinion sways toward the Motive. I really don't want one, as I don't want to store it, and I'd think a vacuum pump would be more useful. I can't count on a set set of feet here.
 
I really like the Motive power bleeder - it's an excellent tool to have around. It's worked a treat on all the cars I've used it on (numerous VWs, a couple Fords & Mazdas). Changing brake fluid types in the Motive itself is extremely easy. Dump out the old stuff, wipe out what's left, dump in the new stuff.

Surely you would be using DOT 4 for all these vehicles, no?
 
I think Toyota uses DOT3, VW is DOT4.

Not sure on the Toyota's, I thought the rubber cap snapped in place, and wouldn't allow any real pressure to build up.
 
Originally Posted By: supton
I think Toyota uses DOT3, VW is DOT4.


DOT4 is backwards compatible to DOT3. No advantage in having to keep both on hand since DOT4 covers the DOT3 specs.
 
Originally Posted By: supton
I see that they make a fitting for Toyota, but do they work ok for that application? . . .

What sort of "fitting" are you describing? I ask because Motive doesn't have a screw-on cap for Honda brake reservoirs. Instead, Motive supplies a clamp-on arrangement with chains that requires a lot of finesse to secure the lid in place. I've made it work, but frankly it's a poor design.
 
I don't know what the fitting looks like. I know on my VW the Motive screws into place (was able to borrow one once), as the top of my MC is screwed on. But on my Toyota's it appears to be just rubber cap that pops into place.

I think I'll skip it. I'll just arrange for someone to be around.
 
For Toyotas, the Motive has a "universal" round cap that's held in place with chains that go around the bottom of the reservoir. Looks like it could be fiddly to install but frankly the speed and quality of the bleed job with a Motive is worth spending a couple minutes dorking around with the cap. I have never been impress with the you-pump-I-turn method of brake bleeding, but to each their own.
 
I had both Motive power bleeder and Mityvac MV7201. I tried both and sold Motive power bleeder after it failed to bleed the rear brake of my LS400 and E430.

With Mityvac MV7201 I can bleed each corner in less than 2-3 minutes per corner without any air gets into the system.

Some have good experience with Motive power bleeder but not me.
 
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I had both Motive power bleeder and Mityvac MV7201. I tried both and sold Motive power bleeder after it failed to bleed the rear brake of my LS400 and E430.

With Mityvac MV7201 I can bleed each corner in less than 2-3 minutes per corner without any air gets into the system.

Some have good experience with Motive power bleeder but not me.


This.

MityVac is a great brake bleeder.
 
Originally Posted By: Ndx
how does motive bleeder go pass ABS pump ? without cycling it

Every time you step on the brake pedal while driving, fluid gets pushed through the ABS pump. And most of the time the ABS pump doesn't cycle at all. Using the Motive bleeder is no different. As long as you didn't have any air in the lines between the master and the pump to begin with, you don't need to cycle the ABS pump.
 
Helpful tip on using a Motive bleeder CLEANLY:

Fill the master cylinder and only use the Motive for air pressure. Refill the MC as needed for each branch being bled.

As long as you don't run the MC dry, it works just as fast and efficiently, and there is nothing to clean up.
 
^^^ 2nd what volvohead said.

it's actually dumb to use the motive bleeder as intended- by filling the motive canister with brake fluid it then gets pumped into the master cylinder reservoir and if the motive cap on the reservoir breaks its seal (WHICH IT WILL!) then you will have a mess.
 
Originally Posted By: 1 FMF
^^^ 2nd what volvohead said.

it's actually dumb to use the motive bleeder as intended- by filling the motive canister with brake fluid it then gets pumped into the master cylinder reservoir and if the motive cap on the reservoir breaks its seal (WHICH IT WILL!) then you will have a mess.
Might have to try that method. Using Motive bleeder as intended DID make a big brake fluid spill on my Honda. Never could get a good seal with the universal adapter on Honda, Nissan, Chrysler.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Volvohead
Helpful tip on using a Motive bleeder CLEANLY:

Fill the master cylinder and only use the Motive for air pressure. Refill the MC as needed for each branch being bled.

As long as you don't run the MC dry, it works just as fast and efficiently, and there is nothing to clean up.

The MC reservoir in most vehicles contains only 6-7 oz or less. Doing this way you have to unscrew the Motive bleeder to refill the reservoir then screw the Motive back on. It's too much work, screw the Motive.

Mityvac MV7201 can do several things: siphon the oil and ATF so that I don't have to raise the car, easy and fast doing brake bleed without any mess. I rather pay a little more for a tool that can do more than 1 maintenance.
 
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