Brake question...

I've reached that point where I want a better way of bleeding my brakes. I was looking at a Mityvac MITMV8000 which seems to be a good tool, and a Bikemaster brake fluid bleeder. The Bikemaster has a connection for bleeding a dual disc system, but frankly, it looks really cheap. Has anyone had any experience with this thing?

http://www.babcotools.ca/Tools/Mityvac-MV8000

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/9/205/58630/ITEM/BikeMaster-Brake-Fluid-Bleeder.aspx?SiteID=SLI|Brake%20Bleeder&WT.MC_ID=10010

I can get the Mityvac through a dealer here in Canada for $41.50 which is only about $6 more than the Bikemaster. I like the idea of the dual disc feature but I don't want a crappy tool that won't do the job. I notice that Harbour Freight has a tool that looks identical to another Bikemaster kit (Which looks better than what's pictured in the link) but the ratings on it are about 50 / 50 for "good" and "bad". So .. anyone ever use the Bikemaster tool? Should I just go ahead with the Mityvac - that the way I'm leaning right now. It's reputation seems to be pretty good.

Andy

I have used a Mity-Vac for years to bleed and to change brake fluid. It has always worked for me.

+1 on Mity-Vac

Everything I've seen with BikeMaster on it is made in China. My ten year old Mity-Vac is made in USA. Can't vouch for the current crop, though.

I've never tried it, but perhaps you could bleed two front discs simultaneously with the Mity-Vac utilizing the "T" fitting and another length of hose.

If you can use Harbor Freight, they offer the Mity-Vac for $37US. http://www.harborfreight.com/mityvac-vacuum-pump-39522.html

Sears has various Mity-Vac bleeders:

http://www.sears.com/tools-mechanics-auto-tools/c-1020137?sName=View%20All&sbv=Mityvac&sbf=Brand

[url=http://www.harborfreight.com/mityvac-vacuum-pump-39522.html][/url]

I have used a Mity-Vac for years to bleed and to change brake fluid. It has always worked for me.

I've got one like the bike master one that I got at Harbor Freight. Probably came from the same factory in China. Doesn't have the dual hook up, and I agree the dual hook up seems pointless. Since I wrench for a living mine sees quite a bit of use.

IMO it can't be beat. It does use a lot of air though, my compressor is rated 6.5CFM @ 90PSI and it just squeaks by. I wouldn't want to try using a much smaller air supply.

I've never bled the systems on a MC and don't know what the tool is that you all are talking about. When I do our vehicles though, I use a plastic bottle with a rubber tube connected to the bleed port. I put enough brake fluid in the bottom of the bottle to cover the end of the rubber tube. Open the bleed valve then begin pumping the brakes. As fluid is pushed out, the bottle fills and this liquid over the hose in the bottle prevents it from sucking air. Keep an eye on the reservoir and keep topping it off so it doesn't run dry. I was planning on using this method with the MC when I got around to changing the fluid. Is there some reason this type of setup won't work? It's cheap and easy.

Creole

I don't think the BikeMaster bleeder that he linked to uses compressed air. It is a hand vacuum pump.

Andy, I too use the same Mityvac, and it works quite well for bleeding the brakes on these bikes, or any vehicle.

I used one of these last time and it worked great.

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/08-0482/

Vacuum pump, mityvac or any suitable brand, and speed bleeders!!!

I don't think the BikeMaster bleeder that he linked to uses compressed air. It is a hand vacuum pump.

From the picture it'd be easy to conclude that it was a hand pump if you hadn't seen one in person. Looking carefully you can see the hex at the base of the handle - the air hose screws in there. Directly below that fitting you can see the wire loop hanging - it is to lock the lever depressed so you don't have to hold onto it while it sucks. That lets you leave it to keep the master cylinder topped off.

Here is the larger picture of it:

http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/OG/0000-BikeMaster-Brake-Fluid-Bleeder----MCSS.jpg

My mistake, Carl. Sorry.

So air rushing past an orifice in a venturi pulls a vacuum on the container? I bet that is a noisy exercise as well as requiring a high cfm capability.

Speed-Bleeders......

My mistake, Carl. Sorry.

 

So air rushing past an orifice in a venturi pulls a vacuum on the container? I bet that is a noisy exercise as well as requiring a high cfm capability.

Noise isn't any worse than an air gun.

From the picture it'd be easy to conclude that it was a hand pump if you hadn't seen one in person. Looking carefully you can see the hex at the base of the handle - the air hose screws in there. Directly below that fitting you can see the wire loop hanging - it is to lock the lever depressed so you don't have to hold onto it while it sucks. That lets you leave it to keep the master cylinder topped off.

 

Here is the larger picture of it:

http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/OG/0000-BikeMaster-Brake-Fluid-Bleeder----MCSS.jpg

Aha! I hadn't noticed that either. And I don't think my tiny compressor would handle it. OK, it looks like the MityVac ... oh yeah - and the speed bleeders.

Thanks all! This site is a fountain of information as always.

Andy