[HMeeder]

John;

I find the speed bleeders to be a truly one-man job. I mean, that's what they were designed for, right? I could never conquer the prop valve problem alone however (for that you do need a pal at the pedal.) I replaced the valve with a 'T' about a year ago and I am very happy with the results. Many, many, (many!) different opinions exist on the value and safety of the 'T' but in my case I have stock calipers all the way around and have upgraded to semi-metallic (Metal Master) pads up front and stock spec pads in the rear. Once the brakes are warmed up, the balance is excellent and I love the pedal feel I get (I never could stomach the feeling of jamming my brake foot into a bucket of oatmeal.)

As for waiting to 'see' the bubbles emerge to ensure a good bleed, I make sure that I bleed about a half a cup of brake fluid out of each caliper in turn (making sure to never let the fluid reservoir pump dry) and then I do the whole process again. I never see the bubbles either, but I am a vigorous pumper and I move enough fluid to be sure the system is completely air free. After that I drive the car (carefully!) to see if any particular caliper doesn't seem to be behaving properly and that the pedal feel is strong and positive. Then I go home and bleed all 4 corneres one more time. A good brake bleed for me will take at least a quart of brake fluid. This may seem excessive, but brakes are too important to worry about wasting a few bucks on brake fluid.

ps Common wisdom has it that brake fluid should be flushed and changed yearly anyway. Brake fluid breaks down over time.