Power Bleeder and Caliper Rebuild Question

[redcoupe86]

Ok, I have the power bleeder and I've read the directions, but im not sure if im suppose to pressurize the system before I start the work - meaning taking the calipers off, or after I have done the work and reinstalled the calipers. I imagine I would need to put some sort of pressure in the system as not to allow air to get in, but not sure how much.

btw, just doing the front calipers only.

[tonythetarga]

Wait until you have the calipers ready to re-install. If you remove the calipers and put pressure on an open line, you'll blow out brake fluid all over the place. Once you have the calipers back on, fill the reservoir (not the power bleeder!) and pump about 10 psi. Make sure you block off the over flow line or you'll have fluid all over the floor. Then do a full flush/bleed of the system starting from the right rear caliper, then left rear, right front then left front.
You will have to keep checking the reservoir level between calipers.

[rs6er]

If you're changing calipers, I don't think you need to use the pressure bleeder until you're ready to bleed. I didn't when I rebuilt my rear caliper.

[jmshepard]

Reinstall the calipers then use the bleeder. Opinions vary on whether to pour fresh brake fluid in the bleeder or just use it as a pressure source. Make sure that you pinch closed the reservoir overflow tube.
Jim S.

[redcoupe86]

the directions on the bottle say to put fluid IN the bleeder itself. Seems like that could get messy though.

In either case I AM suppose to bleed ALL the breaks right? Even though Im only working on the fronts?

Originally Posted by jmshepard

Reinstall the calipers then use the bleeder. Opinions vary on whether to pour fresh brake fluid in the bleeder or just use it as a pressure source. Make sure that you pinch closed the reservoir overflow tube.
Jim S.

[bell]

when you're done rebuilding your calipers and all lines are secure then you can bleed, the power bleeder is your friend. remember the bleeder screws go on the top......

you need to put the brake fluid IN the power bleeder for it to work properly, i fill it about 1/2-3/4 of the way.
use a small pair of vice grips to temporarily "close" the small plastic overflow tube or brake fluid will stream out.
pump it up to about 10lbs, 15lbs won't hurt if you have ss lines, bleed the right rear, then left rear, then right front, left front....you will have to repump to keep the pressure up, couple times a wheel sometimes, this is where the large capacity of the power bleeder comes in handy, as you can usually do all 4 corners without refilling.
when your done store the extra brake fluid back in their bottles, not in the bleeder.

[Hendog]

Originally Posted by bell

when you're done rebuilding your calipers and all lines are secure then you can bleed, the power bleeder is your friend. remember the bleeder screws go on the top......

you need to put the brake fluid IN the power bleeder for it to work properly, i fill it about 1/2-3/4 of the way.
use a small pair of vice grips to temporarily "close" the small plastic overflow tube or brake fluid will stream out.
pump it up to about 10lbs, 15lbs won't hurt if you have ss lines, bleed the right rear, then left rear, then right front, left front....you will have to repump to keep the pressure up, couple times a wheel sometimes, this is where the large capacity of the power bleeder comes in handy, as you can usually do all 4 corners without refilling.
when your done store the extra brake fluid back in their bottles, not in the bleeder.

I have the power bleeder and have used it once with fluid in it. After reading many posts, I tried using it only as a pressure device and it worked well that way.

I just checked my Bentley manual and it recommends running 500cc (1/2 litre) through each caliper!! That's a lot of fluid. I would fill my Power bleeder as you say and go with the advantage of it's capacity. Although there's not much use in storing the extra fluid once it's been opened. It will draw moisture out of the air as it sits. Just my .02c

By the way, how do you clean out your powe bleeder after use?

[Danny_Ocean]

If someone is going to use the power-bleeder without fluid, then why not just do it the "old-fashined" way (pumping the brakes)? The power bleeder was made to push fluid through the system without having to top-off the MC every few minutes.

[cgarr]

I never had much luck with a power bleeder, you can use it to replace the fluid already in the system but your going to have trouble with a dry system, You should bench bleed the calipers first, install them, hook up the lines and crack the line fitting at the caliper to remove any air in the line before the caliper. Get someone in the car to work the pedal for you and finish the job the old fashion way.

[jmshepard]

Originally Posted by Danny_Ocean

If someone is going to use the power-bleeder without fluid, then why not just do it the "old-fashined" way (pumping the brakes)? The power bleeder was made to push fluid through the system without having to top-off the MC every few minutes.

Because you can bleed the brakes without the need of someone else to sit in the car and pump the pedal.
I used it without fluid in the power bleeder. I opted for this because it made for an easier clean-up and I used less brake fluid.