Brake bleeding with Dot 5

[Joel T.]

Guys,

I bit ago you all provided some excellent advice on transitioning my '63 brake system from traditional Dot 3/4 fluid to Dot 5. Someone mentioned "power bleeding" in one of the posts, and somewhere I read that bleeding with Dot 5 should not be done the same way as with traditional Dot 3/4.. (the old pump the pedal and hold it down while someone else bleeds the cylinders routine).

Can you guys provide some guidance on how to bleed the system with Dot 5.. and if a power bleeder is recommended, any suggestions as to which one out there is worth investing in???

Thanks in advance!!

Joel

[John M.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

Joel,

I have bled Dot 5 with all 3 methods, and all 3 work just fine. The old pump-and-bleed seems to work just fine on my cars.

Regards, John McGraw

[John M.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

Joel,

I have bled Dot 5 with all 3 methods, and all 3 work just fine. The old pump-and-bleed seems to work just fine on my cars.

Regards, John McGraw

[Mike M.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

since i got my Phoenix Systems Injector, i no longer have to get the wifey to come to shop and pump brakes while i bleed the wheel cylinders. this system allows you to choose from a pressure bleed or a vacuum bleed approach. it comes with a bunch of adaptors that allow for use on most domestic and foreign autos. their phone # is 888 749 7977. mike

[Mike M.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

since i got my Phoenix Systems Injector, i no longer have to get the wifey to come to shop and pump brakes while i bleed the wheel cylinders. this system allows you to choose from a pressure bleed or a vacuum bleed approach. it comes with a bunch of adaptors that allow for use on most domestic and foreign autos. their phone # is 888 749 7977. mike

[Jim T.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

Converted my 68 and 70 to silicone about 20 years ago. Started with bench bleeding my master cylinders and used the gravity and a brake pedal assisted pumper and bleed method. Had no problems converting the system to silicone fluid.

[Jim T.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

Converted my 68 and 70 to silicone about 20 years ago. Started with bench bleeding my master cylinders and used the gravity and a brake pedal assisted pumper and bleed method. Had no problems converting the system to silicone fluid.

[Terry M.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

Like Jim, when I converted to DOT5 I bench bled the master, allowed gravity to fill the lines (I seem to recall I had to use some vacuum at the calipers to get the fluid moving), and then finished up with the old pump-the-pedal method.

John Hinckley has advocated a power bleeder for Corvette brake work, and has posted extensively about it. Try the search feature for more from John on the subject. If I were doing it over again today instead od decades ago, I would try his methods.

[Terry M.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

Like Jim, when I converted to DOT5 I bench bled the master, allowed gravity to fill the lines (I seem to recall I had to use some vacuum at the calipers to get the fluid moving), and then finished up with the old pump-the-pedal method.

John Hinckley has advocated a power bleeder for Corvette brake work, and has posted extensively about it. Try the search feature for more from John on the subject. If I were doing it over again today instead od decades ago, I would try his methods.

[Joel T.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

Thanks!!! As usual your advice is right on and much appreciated!! Joel

[Joel T.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

Thanks!!! As usual your advice is right on and much appreciated!! Joel

[Ray G.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5.

Hello Joel;
Previous advice is great.
Also remember silicone fluid has a higher viscosity.
The air bubbles will rise slower in the fluid.
Like the gravity method because it causes the least amount of agitation.
If you can attach a clear plastic line, to the bleeder,looping upward and then down into a drain pan. The air bubbles can then be observed exiting the bleeeder.
Rebleed the next day to get all the bubbles.
Hope this helps.
Ray

[Ray G.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5.

Hello Joel;
Previous advice is great.
Also remember silicone fluid has a higher viscosity.
The air bubbles will rise slower in the fluid.
Like the gravity method because it causes the least amount of agitation.
If you can attach a clear plastic line, to the bleeder,looping upward and then down into a drain pan. The air bubbles can then be observed exiting the bleeeder.
Rebleed the next day to get all the bubbles.
Hope this helps.
Ray

[Joe L.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

Terry and Joel-----

The below link is a link to the Motive Products web-site. They manufacture the bleeder that John has described previously. Their bleeder is very efficient and economical.

http://www.motiveproducts.com

[Joe L.]

Re: Brake bleeding with Dot 5

Terry and Joel-----

The below link is a link to the Motive Products web-site. They manufacture the bleeder that John has described previously. Their bleeder is very efficient and economical.

http://www.motiveproducts.com