My brakes are spongy and I want to bleed them. Any tips? And, what type of fluid does it take (if DOT 3: regular or high temp.)? Lastly, do I need any parts or special tools?
DOT4 and a power bleeder. The GClub site has a good read on brake bleeding but with the p...
DOT4 and a power bleeder. The GClub site has a good read on brake bleeding but with the power bleeder.
I use my Mighty Vac but it is bit of a pain and can get meesy. The only good thing is that I can do it myself. If you have to do it the old fashiioned way you will need a helper to push the pedal etc.
Dave's tip about sucking the dirty fluid out of the master cylinder is a good one. It is easier to suck it out of the master(at least part of it) from the top than at the wheel.
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Greg S.
'85 300GD
'73 Unimog 416 Doka
Nothing cheaper than a pop bottle; drill a hole in the cap, and slide some vacuum line down in it (keep brake fluid above bottom of hose). Suck out as much fluid from the reservoir you can and top off with fresh fluid. Then crack the bleeder furthest away with vacuum hose attatched and give the pedal a good 5-10 pumps. Make sure to keep your reservoir topped off as you work your way around.
.....At least add the tip to pull the bleader screws and grease the threads before you start.
The trouble with the cheap method, and the reason you have to start with some fluid in the bottle, is that when you release the pedal, it always draws a vacuum on the system as the pedal is coming up, before the resivoir return hole is exposed. This has a tendency to draw some air back into the system, primarily around the bleed screw threads.
I used to try to fight this by greasing the bleed screw threads. I don't anymore. The Motive Products Power Bleeder is one of the best $50 I ever spent on tools. As far as time saved and quality of the finished bleeding job, it paid for itself after the first use.
I bet you don't use pop bottles at the dealership eh?[:)]
Another tool like that is my $6 Craftsman seal puller. I levered these things out with everything from screwdrivers to clawhammers for years. That seal puller is just a fine example of "the right tool for the job" that has you immediately slapping your forhead and saying, "Why have I been so STUPID all these years?!?!?!" and then...."How am I going to get this wheel bearing grease off my forehead?" [:D]
Usually an hourly guy gets thrown in the driver's seat. They don't earn their wage anyways. Kind of odd we don't have a power bleeder[?]. I have used the pop bottle method when by myself and have always had good results--just a quick alternative, supplies can usually be found around the house.
I have been talking with one advertised on your sight but she wasn't really ready to sell paperwork wise. She's trying to get everything in a row (this one was actually imported properly!!) I'm really excited but just being patient until she's ready--then of course, I'll have to wait for shipping--soon, soon.
....then of course, I'll have to wait for shipping--......
Oh, c'mon! Be a man! Fly down, hop in, and drive it back! I've done one that way myself (and THAT was a Costa Rican '71 diesel LR and an 1100 mile trip!). and two (one G and one motorcycle) for friends.
It's the only way to go. The trip won't cost you any more than the shipping, and you get the experience and the trip for free.
....then of course, I'll have to wait for shipping--......
Oh, c'mon! Be a man! Fly down, hop in, and drive it back! I've done one that way myself (and THAT was a Costa Rican '71 diesel LR and an 1100 mile trip!). and two (one G and one motorcycle) for friends.
It's the only way to go. The trip won't cost you any more than the shipping, and you get the experience and the trip for free.
-Dave G.
Besides that, the wait to get it shipped can be rediculous. I bought my G320 from Keiser in CA. The shipping company gave me the run-around for six weeks and still didn't pick it up. I flew out and drove it home, great experience. I have also flown to Miami and driven back my wifes BMW and recently drove to Louisville KY in a rental car and drove home my 928.
I agree with Dave, the experience is worth it and the hassle is minimal.
It is all a matter of ones capacity to tolerate (perhaps desire for) "pucker factor"!
My own capacity is high in imagination for such adventures, but is markedly modulated when it comes to the total abandon needed to execute. I think age and perfect memory (recall) of early (marginally successful) attempts, interfers with flights into health and freedom.
So, go for it! It is experiences and not money you'll need when the put you in the old folks home...some day.
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