How to: Build a one-man brake bleeder!

Normally, two people are required to bleed the air from a vehicle's brake system. This instructable shows you how to D.I.Y. with a wet/dry vacuum, using cheap and easily obtainable materials. Maintaining your braking system with this homemade tool is a must as it's works quicker and better than the oldschool method!

Step 1:

Watch the demonstration video for a better understanding of how this
tool works and then return to follow the step-by-step intructions.

Step 2: Materials and Tools Required for This Build:

-1 five gallon pail with a tight fighting lid.

-JB Weld Kwik or equivalent quick-drying sealer.

-6' of clear poly hose that fits tightly over your car's brake bleeding nipple.

-1 good quality wet/dry vacuum with a good amount of suction.

-1 drill bit *slightly* smaller than your clear poly hose.

- 1 drill

Step 3: Step #1 - Make Hole in Your Bucket Lid

You make a hole in your bucket lid, opposite the pouring spout. You can use the method shown in the video, or you can use your drill and drill bit. You can remove the pouring spout cap at this time, too.

Step 4: Step #2 - Insert Clear Poly Hose

Insert your clear poly hose into the hole you just made. You want the hose to touch the bottom of your pail.

Step 5: Step #3 - Seal Around the Hose.

This tool works by creating a negative pressure chamber that sucks the brake fluid through your vehicle's brake lines and into the pail. Therefore, it is critical that the pail is sealed tightly or you will experience a loss in suction power.

I should also mention - you will NOT get any brake fluid into your vacuum cleaner provided you never allow the pail to get more than 50% full.

Use your sealer(JB Weld is preferred) around the poly hose and allow it to dry fully before continuing.

Step 6: Step #4 - Attach the Poly Hose to the Vehicle's "brake Bleeder".

At this time you can place your new "One-man brake bleeder" beside the car and prepare to bleed the air from the braking system.
NOTE - you always start with the wheel *furthest* away from your car's Master Cylinder... that's the part that holds it's brake fluid! Also, the hose MUST fit snug on the bleeder to prevent air from entering around it.

Step 7: Step #5 - Watch the Magic As It Happens!

All you have to do now is place the vac hose over the pail's spout, turn it on, open the bleeder screw(1/2 turn) and watch as the vacuum does the work of 2 people! This trick never ceases to amaze.. not even with the most well seasoned mechanics. It's simply amazing!

Brakes feel spongy when there is air trapped within the brake lines because air can be compressed, where as, brake fluid can not. In the video you can watch as the vacuum sucks all of the air bubbles into the pail through the clear hose.