Best brake bleeder tool for calipers and clutch master cylinder

This is simply the best brake bleeder tool for DIYers

Forget about bleeding brakes by pumping the pedal. That’s a great way to get air into the ABS valves. If that happens you might need a scan tool to force the ABS system into a self bleed. Instead, invest in this handheld vacuum pump which is simply the best brake bleeder tool for DIYers. You can also use it to bleed the clutch master cylinder.

Suck air out of the lines using this vacuum pump brake bleeder tool kit

Buy or rent a hand vacuum kit like this.

Mityvac MITMV8500 Silverline Elite Automotive Vacuum Pump Kit

Attach the collector cup to the pump and run a clear PVC vacuum hose to the bleeder screw on the brake caliper or wheel cylinder. Operate the pump to pull a vacuum. Then crack the bleeder screw and remove fluid until you no longer see air bubbles.

Hand held vacuum pump, collector cup and bleed hose

This procedure works well IF you don’t have air in the master cylinder or the ABS valves. If you let the system run dry, you can use the vacuum pump for hours and never get a firm pedal because it’s almost impossible to suck air bubbles down from the master cylinder and ABS valves. If you run into that situation, you’ll need to do a reverse flush to force the air bubbles UP.

You can also use it to reverse bleed, forcing the air up when you can’t get the air to pull down

Buy or rent a reverse brake and clutch bleeding tool like the Phoenix Systems 2104-BOT V-5 shown here. The kit includes a hand operated pump that can be set up to pull

Phoenix Systems 2104-BOT V-5 vacuum and reverse bleed kit for brakes and clutch systems

a vacuum OR as a fluid forcing pump. In the fluid forcing mode, the pump draws brake fluid from the bottle and forces it backwards through the brake or clutch bleeder screws. That method applies pressure to the air bubbles, forcing them UP through the ABS valves and master cylinder. See the images below to understand how it works.

Four procedures to remove air from brake caliper, wheel cylinder, ABS valve, brake master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder and clutch master cylinder

Four methods for removing air bubbles from brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, ABS valve, clutch slave cylinder and clutch master cylinder

© 2012 Rick Muscoplat

Save