G'day all, In Digest 2279, Michael described the one-man brake-bleeding method he uses on Alfas and other cars. I'd like to endorse this as the way to go, for sure. Have used it for years myself, on Alfettas, Alfasud, Alfa 156 and any non-Alfas I'm forced to work on. I'd suggest only two variations to Michael's description: Firstly, I bleed the whole system at once - connect up as many of Michael's looped vinyl tubes as you've got bleed screws, and open the whole lot. Then pump and check as per Michael, and close all off when finished. This makes the job really quick, and also ensures full pedal travel when bleeding dual-circuit systems. Secondly, I'm puzzled by the mention of the air pocket retreating back into the caliper if you dally too long before closing off the bleed screw. In all that I've done, the solid columns of fluid in the tubes only drop an inch or less when you release the pedal for the last time, then they sit at that height (way above the screws) forever. This gives heaps of time to stroll around the car and close everything off. It's a great system....
Best regards all, Graham H, Paekakariki NZ > From: "Michael and Carmen Keith" <[email protected]> > Subject: Re: [alfa] Strange braking problem > ......... Third, I thought I'd share my technique for bleeding brakes..... I simply use a really long length of vinyl tubing (about 5 or 6 feet) with a 2" piece of rubber vacuum tubing at the end to fit tight onto the bleed nipple. I use the excess length to make a riser loop well over the top of the caliper I'm bleeding..... I pump the pedal, keep the reservoir topped up, & check for a solid column of fluid in the vinyl tubing. Air tends to travel to the highest point in the system, & the riser loop creates an artificial high point. I don't need anyone hold the pedal while I close the bleeder. After I release the pedal,I have about 30 seconds or so to close the bleeder before the air pocket makes it over the riser loop & back into the caliper. Since I started doing this, I've never had any problems getting brakes to bleed on any type of Alfa or any other vehicle for that matter. In fact, I find it easier than the familiar two-person system. > Best of luck, > Michael Keith > Houston, TX -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected]
