Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #46442
From: Dennis Johnson <pinetownd@volcano.net>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Clean and Quick Brake Bleeding
Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:53:02 -0400
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
I've experimented with a variety of ways to bleed the brakes on my Legacy.  Some worked, some didn't.  Here's one that worked:
 
 
The galvanized steel bucket is a pressure pot I bought at a garage sale.  House painters use them.  If you're not lucky enough to find one at a garage sale, Harbor Freight often has a two quart model on sale for $30, which includes a paint spray gun, too!  The two quart pot would actually be a little more convenient than this big and heavy five quart pot.
 
The key to the system is this fitting I bought from Aircraft Spruce:
 
 
This brake bleeder fitting attaches to the brake bleeder on the Cleveland brake assembly.  Tightening the black part of the fitting forces a part inside the fitting against the brake bleeder, creating a relatively leak free connection. 
 
Here's how it works.  Put a quart or so of brake fluid into the pressure pot and tighten the lid.  Connect one end of a plastic tube from the outflow of the pressure pot and connect the other end to the brake bleeder fitting #87-5.  Tighten the #87-5 fitting to the brake bleeder on the Cleveland brake assembly.  Remove the plug on the top of the brake fluid reservoir on the firewall and replace it with a threaded fitting and a piece of plastic tube that empties into an empty oil can.  Apply 15 psi air pressure to the pressure pot and open the brake bleeder a quarter turn.  The air pressure slowly forces the brake fluid out of the pressure pot and through the brake lines and out the reservoir.  Let it flow out the reservoir until all the air is gone, then close the brake bleeder and remove air pressure from the pressure pot.  Remove the plastic tube connected to the reservoir and use a syringe to suck about half the brake fluid out of the reservoir.
 
This picture shows the overflow tube coming out of the reservoir and going into an empty oil bottle:
 
 
I did it by myself without any trouble, but you might want an assistant the first time you try it.  Do not allow the pressure pot to run empty, which will force air into the brake lines.  Then you'll have to do it again to get rid of the air.  Don't put too much pressure on the lines.  Keep one eye on the pressure pot and the other eye on the overflowing fluid coming out of the reservoir.  Have plenty of rags on hand, just in case. 
 
Good luck,
Dennis Johnson
Legacy, first annual inspection complete and back in the air! 
 
 
  
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