Editing Vacuum brake bleeder set up

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I have tried pressure power bleeders and they can be quite a mess.  Brake fluid hurts very bad when you get it in your eyes and will take paint off.  Having it pressurized isn't my idea of a fun time.  Having brake fluid under vacuum is much more idiot proof.

What you need:
-Vacuum pump
-Glass jar with lid
-Clear tubing
-Brass fittings
-All this should cost around $20

'''Vacuum Pump'''
You can get inexpensive venturi (need an air compressor to operate) vacuum pumps made for AC work from Harbor Freight.  The one I have is just like the first link but is red and had a R12 fitting on it.  The vacuum fitting is 1/8-NPT on the other side.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92475

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96677

'''Glass Jar'''
I used an old spaghetti sauce jar, drilled some holes in the lid and put some brass fittings in it.  I needed to use washers to get a tight seal.

[http://www.thesocalbigdawgs.com/vb/gallery2/main.php/d/8156-2/IMG_0491.JPG Jar lid with fittings]

[http://www.thesocalbigdawgs.com/vb/gallery2/main.php/d/8159-2/IMG_0492.JPG Underside of jar lid with fittings]

[http://www.thesocalbigdawgs.com/vb/gallery2/main.php/d/8153-2/IMG_0490.JPG Jar assembled ready for vacuum bleeding]'


'''Fittings'''
I used 3 male 1/4-NPT x 1/8 barb fittings, 1 female 1/4-NPT x 1/8 barb fitting, 1 female 1/4-NPT x 1/8-NPT coupler, and 1 female 1/4-NPT 90° fitting.  I also put a ball valve on the pressure input side.  The valve is needed to control the vacuum.


'''Use'''
Hook it up and turn it on...

There are a few issues with vacuum bleeding.  First is sucking air around the bleeder valve threads.  The solution is to use teflon tape or thread sealer on the threads.

[[Category:Brakes]]