Brake flush procedure using power bleeder

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by euro911sc

I also never put fluid in my motive tank. Just refill the reservoir as needed.

^^^this

[Jesse16]

Not to get off topic, this jack is great IMHO. Arcan Quick Lift Professional Service Jack — 3 1/2-Ton, Model# XL35 | Floor Jacks| Northern Tool + Equipment
What I use exclusively, very robust and can lift entire car for engine removal. Look for coupons, can get for around $100.

[tmblackflag]

Originally Posted by Jesse16

Not to get off topic, this jack is great IMHO. Arcan Quick Lift Professional Service Jack — 3 1/2-Ton, Model# XL35 | Floor Jacks| Northern Tool + Equipment
What I use exclusively, very robust and can lift entire car for engine removal. Look for coupons, can get for around $100.

I'm going to get the hein werner 2 ton floor jack. Found one locally for $295 and it should be the last jack I ever buy.

[tmblackflag]

Finally got to this today and after some struggles with the overflow reservoir finally got the brakes flushed. I used the Motive bleeder opting to not put fluid in it's reservoir and it worked nicely.

I do have a question though. I only seem to have used about 1/2 to 2/3 a liter of fluid. At each wheel, i watched the old gold fluid stream through until it was blue, then let it go a ways longer until I could see no air bubbles. I was surprised at just how quickly each caliper bleeds.

I wonder if i didn't let enough fluid though. I got in the car and went for a drive and the brakes feel fine. However it is hard for me to say how far they should have to be pushed before they engage. Doesn't seem like I have to push too far for them to work though.

[ntmatter]

A bit late of a response, but as the brake tubes are narrow it doesn't take a ton of fluid to fill them completely. 2/3 of a bottle is not unreasonable.

Some other notes:

1. CLAMP THE OVERFLOW HOSE ON THE FLUID RESERVOIR. This is not mentioned in the Motive instructions, but if you don't, you'll suck the entire bottle dry and blow it out behind the front left tire.

2. The Motive bleeder comes with a rubber washer that goes into the fluid reservoir cap on the bleeder. Don't forget this, as the cap is not fluid-tight without it and will dribble fluid all down your front trunk.

3. Assume you're going to leak some fluid out of the reservoir area during this operation. I've done the brakes on numerous cars before and thought I had it down pat - then made a total hash of things. Put down plastic, then paper towels on top of the plastic, to protect the area around and under the reservoir.

[Jerome74911S]

Originally Posted by theclaw

Hose works it's way to the front left fender in front of the tire somewhere near the front bumper. I found it by accident when I began to flush the system with my Motive bleeder and forgot to squeeze close the overflow hose at the reservoir. Had fluid dripping out of the front of the car. Doh!

I extended that hose so that it exits in the middle of the car where I seldom have a tire on the road. Putting oil on the road is not good, but at least it's better to keep it away from your own tires.

[carreradpt]

And if you are one to fill the Motive Bleeder with fluid, you'd best make sure the rubber lines are new or newer. They will burst on you at the absolute worst time. You've been warned.

[emac]

Do the hoses actually burst or fly off the nipple on the bleeder
Ernie 81sc

[JRSIII]

I asked this question under another thread but didn't really get an answer, so maybe it's a dumb question...but can you (or more importantly should you) remove the little plastic cup (photo attached) that sits inside the fill nozzle on the reservoir when using the power bleeder? I'm assuming this is some sort of air/liquid separator so bubbles don't get in when filling.

Also, I've read some posts that say to depress the brake pedal slightly when power bleeding, but didn't see that in the procedure that started this thread. Is that necessary? I can understand when disconnecting brake lines, but not really sure why it would be necessary once everything is hooked back up. Thanks.

1988 Carrera 3.2 G50 Targa

[bpu699]

Folks on here mention NOT filling the motive bleeder for fear of it bursting... that seems tedious...

The other option is to fill it, and only pressurize it to 10 psi or so. Works fine, and if you get a leak its a dribble and not a shower! I also put the bleeder in a big plastic box, or garbage bag, in case it leaks.

But at 10 psi, little chance of that...

[SilberUrS6]

I never fill the pressure reservoir more than 10psi. Clamp the overflow tube, and also put a clamp on the hose at the nipple. Don't crank it down, or you'll break the nipple. Firmly on is fine. You don't need a ton of pressure to push the fluid through. I have also heard that you depress the brake pedal slightly when doing it the power bleeder way. I don't know why.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by JRSIII

I asked this question under another thread but didn't really get an answer, so maybe it's a dumb question...but can you (or more importantly should you) remove the little plastic cup (photo attached) that sits inside the fill nozzle on the reservoir when using the power bleeder? I'm assuming this is some sort of air/liquid separator so bubbles don't get in when filling.

I take it out. But I also put fluid right in the car, not in the power bleeder tank. Sometimes if the fluid is really nasty I will use a turkey baster to suck the fluid out of reservoir, and start with more clean fluid.

I believe cup is to baffle the brake fluid level sensor.

Originally Posted by JRSIII

Also, I've read some posts that say to depress the brake pedal slightly when power bleeding, but didn't see that in the procedure that started this thread. Is that necessary? I can understand when disconnecting brake lines, but not really sure why it would be necessary once everything is hooked back up. Thanks.

I haven't found that necessary......

[Porsche 2]

No expert, but do not depress the brake pedal as this prevents the flow of liquid flowing from the reservoir. Indeed, I do depress the pedal when removing calipers to prevent gravity flow of liquid from the master cylinder reservoir.

[JRSIII]

Thanks all. I think I have the info I need to give this a go. That is, as soon as I get my new brake lines in the mail to replace the ones I mangled trying to change the hoses! It seems to be my luck that everything Wayne says in 101 Projects could happen actually does happen!

[gtc]

Originally Posted by bpu699

Folks on here mention NOT filling the motive bleeder for fear of it bursting... that seems tedious...

My Motive puked fluid out of the pump shaft a couple of times, making a huge mess. Not really sure what I did wrong, as I followed the directions and even rinsed and cleaned out the Motive after use. I pretty much gave up on it after the second spill. Not worth the hassle IMO.
Back to speed bleeders or two person bleeding for me.