I'm all set to proceed with the 312mm brake upgrade on my vRS. (thanks to Stu for his old calipers!)

If done carefully (brake pedal depressed half-way only to protect the brake master cylinder), is there anything wrong with the two-person method of bleeding the brake lines?:confused:

It's pretty difficult to source a proper bleeder out here, but I don't want to damage anything.... Garage wants an upper and lower appendage for the work:thumbdwn:

Thanks for any advice:thumbup:

Cheers

Bas

Nothing wrong with doing it that way at all. Done it myslef on previous cars.

I'm not aware of any problem. What's the deal with only depressing the pedal half way then? Only problem with two man bleeding is coordination, but if you use a tube and a jar half full of brake fluid, that should help avoid bubbles getting back in the system between doing up the nipple and releasing the pedal.

Sequence should be :

A. "pushing" B. open nipple

A. steady push - very gently so as not to suddenly floor it when the nipple opens

A. "bottom" B. do up nipple

B. "release" A. release pedal - not before this point!

B. "push"

A. "pushing" .... and so on

Brings back happy memories - guess I was probably about 10 when I first assumed role A.

I'm not aware of any problem. What's the deal with only depressing the pedal half way then? Only problem with two man bleeding is coordination, but if you use a tube and a jar half full of brake fluid, that should help avoid bubbles getting back in the system between doing up the nipple and releasing the pedal.

Sequence should be :

A. "pushing" B. open nipple

A. steady push - very gently so as not to suddenly floor it when the nipple opens

A. "bottom" B. do up nipple

B. "release" A. release pedal - not before this point!

B. "push"

A. "pushing" .... and so on

Brings back happy memories - guess I was probably about 10 when I first assumed role A.

Having used that method (with full pedal travel, just keep an eye on resevoir level), a non return valve kit (cheap, simple and very effective) and a pressurised flow system (over priced and over complicated) I would say it is fine.

Chris

i've never had a problem with bleeding brakes the 2 man way , i rather do it that way , i've used eazibleeds etc , its a bit of PITA lowering tyre pressures to do it at the recommended 15-20PSI , then pumping them back up when done , the best way to do your new calipers is to release one nipple and wait until some fluid comes out then nip up nipple , do the same with the other side the top up reservoir , then with your assistant release nipple , press pedal down and hold , tighten nipple , do this until no air appears on both calipers and you should have a good pedal

I use either my electric bleeder or the firms VAG bleeder (uses compressed air).

Problem can be by pushing the pedal all the way down is the valves in the master cyinder operate past their usual working positions. The valves are returned by the seals inside, if the valves go too far the seal flips over and wont return. End result being a pedal that is on the floor and no brakes. New cylinder required. This is why VAG advise the use of a pressure bleed system.

Thanks Ross - that's why if I do decide to go ahead myself I would make sure the brake pedal presser would only pump half way down.

I found a couple of good references:

how to build your own bleeder (!?):

bleeder

and

Brake bleeding - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thanks to everyone for the feedback!

Cheers:thumbup:

Bas

I use either my electric bleeder or the firms VAG bleeder (uses compressed air).

Problem can be by pushing the pedal all the way down is the valves in the master cyinder operate past their usual working positions. The valves are returned by the seals inside, if the valves go too far the seal flips over and wont return. End result being a pedal that is on the floor and no brakes. New cylinder required. This is why VAG advise the use of a pressure bleed system.

Makes good sense, though never had an issue with it in other cars. Worth remebering for next time though.

Chris

Used to happen all the time on Vauxhalls, particually the MK3 Astra

Used to happen all the time on Vauxhalls, particually the MK3 Astra

Used to do lots of Vauxhalls but never Mk III Astras (was paying others to do it by then). Must have got lucky I guess. Casting ones mind back, I never used to push the pedal all the way down to the floor though, mainly as it seemed unwise to push past normal stroke and pick up crud on the seals. Long time since I replaced brake fluid myself. Jeez I am getting old.

Chris

The MK3's used to do it when pushing the pistons back in the calipers, forcing the fluid backwards had the same effect.

And Rover 214's just used to burst the caliper seals..lol

Loving the rose sprayer / brake bleeder!

lol, by the time you have messed about making one you could have spent the £10 on ebay and bought a propper one ready made.

Ah yes but Bas already explained his particular difficulties in that regard

Indeed, a Rose Sprayer any easier to get then..lol

I love the gunsons easy bleed - done 4 cars with it now and its worked flawlessly.

Pressure bleeding really is the easiest imho.