Bleeding Brakes July 2023

Technical Area Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
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  1. My model of MX-5 is: NB 1.6 __
  2. I’m based near: Newcastle upon Tyne/SE Northumberland
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on:Pressure bleeding
    Hi, I have replaced a rear caliper and, obviously need to bleed the system.
    Back in the day I had an MGB and used a Gunson Ezibleed. Getting that out I see there is no resevoir cap that is anywhere as big as the 75mm approx top of the MX5 brake reservoir.
    Do people still use ezibleeds or similar?
    Can you get a pressure cap that fits?
    would it be possible to modify a spare reservoir cap to fit?
    Has anyone got a cap that would fit/
    Or do people just bleed the traditional way? but I am working on my own.
    Sorry for so many questions, Thanks for any replies.
    Andy McG, Ashington __
2

I have not pressure bled for many years.

My go to for brake bleeding now is a Vacuum bleeding system.

It is one man just like pressure bleeding but you suck the fluid through rather than blow it through.

First I used a kit like this

However - I now use a vac bleed kit that works with my compressor.
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/blue-spot-brake-and-clutch-bleeder/?da=1&TC=GS-040817962&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwISlBhD6ARIsAESAmp6ZLZPj-RUs-AIVEJ5dmBhAB-hT_HMbCsUlJaFK6JJXJp0NIpQNCVgaAuohEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

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Thanks for the speedy reply. It looks like easiest thing to do is to buy an Ebay vacum bleeding kit. I assume you just need to keep an eye on the amount of fluid extracted, and keep topping up the reservoir.
Looks like the under £15 kits from Ebay work OK so well worth adding to my collection of vehicle tools!
Fortunately my MX isn’t only veh so I can wait until next weeek to do the brakes. Toolstation locally seems to sell a similar kitby laser but it is £29.98 and only on delivery. There is a toolstation very near open on Sunday.

4

Good luck with the task, I hope everything goes smoothly.
As an NB owner with the likelihood of a brake bleed in my future I’d be interested to hear how you get on.
Any tips and/or pitfalls you might encounter along the way.
All the best,
Guy

3 Likes
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Yes - you just need to keep an eye on the reservoir - it is surprising how fast you can pull fluid through.
Try Amazon - you should be able to get it overnite.
I know Machine Mart have them but they are appx £40

To make vac bleeding work most efficiently - wrap PTFE tape around the bleed nipple threads.
It seals the threads so the vac pump is pulling fluid only.
To take out the bleed nipples without losing much fluid - put a plastic bag over the reservoir inlet and screw the cap back on ( it creates a vacuum above the fluid to stop it flowing through the system )

6

Thanks for the tips.
What did we do before the internet and Ebay/Amazon?
I will report when I have done the job.

7

It’s hard to beat the two man method, which avoids any risk of drawing in air (provided you keep an eye on the master cylinder level)

8

The only problem I had with the vacuum bleeder was getting the tube to fit tightly on the old corroded nipples. Ended up wrapping some plumbers tape round the nipple to get a good seal.

9

I do it the old way. Get the wife in there and get her pumping. :laughing:

10

I used the Laser Tools 6820 link is here
Also, if it helps see …
https://forum.mx5oc.co.uk/t/its-time-i-gave-something-back-to-the-forum/117342/47

11

All you need is a very simple tool ,a jar,fluid , a ring spanner and a foot…

M-m

1 Like
12

The trouble with those is that air can still be drawn in via the nipple threads and you don’t always get a perfect bleed.

1 Like
13

You do know who you are telling that they are crp to use yes? , why on earth would I recommend something that does not work, that’s not what I am about or the group, we do these in our sleep, if we recommend anything it’s because we have used them ,if we tell owners it’s crp , it’s because it is , and stay well clear don’t waste your cash,we are always honest with everything we do ,what good does pushing cr*p duff info and advice do…nothing but make others struggle,We use them all the time and never had any issues bud, although we have longer hoses on them, they are basically speed bleeders .
We use vaccum pullers but for systems that are fresh and dryer than a nuns chuff.
We know what to use ,for what job, if there is no tool for it on the market , then we make them…
We know our stuff and how to do it.
Unsure of the discredited advice to myself??
M-m