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I have to bleed the brakes on my ‘70 W-30. I obviously want to do it the right way but also want to be clean and neat during the process. Is there a clear tube/kit that I can use that will help during the process ? What size tube ? My car has DOT 5 in it if that makes any difference.
Truthfully, I suppose you could do the same with a used soda bottle and clear acrylic tubing. For the price, the kit is convenient though. Don't bother with hand operated power bleeders. They're a waste of time and have never worked right for me.
If you used DOT 5 after rebuilding the brakes in the past just use it for bleeding. Don't mix in DOT 3!
Get chew one of these. They have adaptors to fit any master cylinder. (red arrows)
Then buy some surgical tube in the right diameter to fit over the bleeder. Cut to the desired length. I like the opaque silicone tube. You don't really need to see through the tube as you can see the fluid color as it comes out.
Drain old fluid into whatever catch can receptacle you desire.
This makes one man brake bleeding a breeze. It's a good incentive program to force you to bleed every 2-3 years. Literally takes less than an hour to do the whole system. Less if you have a lift.
A small dab of anti-seize on the bleeder threads and a rubber dust cap doesn't suck. Don't over do it as you don't want it to contaminate the system.
Always keep the tool clean.
Never store brake fluid in it.
Keep new brake fluid in a controlled ambient temperature environment...in other words not in a unheated garage or shed.
Date opened resealable containers. Toss after 1-2 years
The Vacula style pneumatic bleeder is the best tool I've ever bought. One pass at each wheel and I'm done. A real Vacula is spendy, but there are now Chinesium versions for peanuts.
Fluid composition should not be a factor in bleeding. I have a vacuum kit that does well with preliminary bleeding. But ultimately my wife is the best source of air removal from my braking systems. The process is reasonably simple, and it is a great way to make your spouse involved first hand, as well as a great leg definition source as well as a sense of accomplishment/ownership.
