Tip: Easy way to bleed aircraft brakes - Page 5

n82rb · #41 05-23-2013, 02:56 PM

here is my bleeder.

1. 4" PCV pipe length is up to you
2. flat pipe cap
3. male threaded coupler
4. screw on cap
5. tire valve stem or air coupler

glue the flat cap on the bottom
put the screw on coupler on top
drill the screw on cap for the valve stem or air coupler
drill for 1/8 pipe at bottom of pipe
screw 1/8 pipe valve in hole and hook clear tubing to valve
fill unit with fluid
screw cap on
pressurize
have at it.

nice part is with the pvc you do not have to worry about blowing up the container. it will take more pressure than you will ever put in it.

works well on cars to, it the only way i have ever been able to bleed a corvette.

bob burns
RV-4 N82RB

MarkW · #42 05-24-2013, 05:57 AM

I am too cheap to make any of these expensive bleeders. I had a large syringe left over from my Proseal work that I had not used. I bought it at a medical supply for $3.50. Bought a short piece of lawnmower fuel tubing and connected to the syringe.
Pulled brake fluid into the syringe and pushed the air out, connected to the bleeder, loosened the bleeder and pushed. Too two syringes full and I was done. No air and a solid pedal.

bruceh · #43 11-03-2013, 11:33 PM

Lots of great tips here. I was able to get my brakes filled today. I originally tried using the cheapo HF oil can. It just wasn't powerful enough to push the fluid up to the reservoir. I also tried a Mighty-vac to try to suck the fluid up to the reservoir. Again, it just didn't have enough suction. I ended up spending $13 for a 1 gallon pump sprayer and that worked! The Mighty-vac came with a bunch of different types of connectors to get the right tubing sizes to interconnect. It went so fast, I didn't think to take pictures!

Rupester · #44 11-04-2013, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceh

I ended up spending $13 for a 1 gallon pump sprayer and that worked! ... It went so fast, I didn't think to take pictures!

I had the same good experience with a $9 garden sprayer from Lowes. A very easy process, but it sure helps to have an assistant.

rocketbob · #45 11-04-2013, 08:46 AM

Funny how these threads come up when I need to bleed a set of brakes. I have a pressure setup that I am going to modify with a regulator and a quick disconnect air fitting, and a return line from the reservoir. The idea is to set the regulator at a real low setting (1 or 2 psi) so that the line won't get blown off the brake bleeder fitting fitting but the system stays constantly pressurized so one can get inside the airplane and mechanically work any air bubbles out of the system by applying the brakes repeatedly.

Jimboscr · #46 11-05-2013, 03:36 AM

If it the first time you are bleeding the brakes, make sure ALL of the fittings are tightened up. Especially ones that might be hidden from view, like, say inside the gear towers......ask me how I know!

Cheers

Jim

Rupester · #47 11-05-2013, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimboscr

If it the first time you are bleeding the brakes, make sure ALL of the fittings are tightened up. Especially ones that might be hidden from view, like, say inside the gear towers......ask me how I know!

I'll second that.

Also, don't use E-Z turn to seal the brake fittings at the pedal cylinders. Unless of course, you want a second opportunity to practice brake bleeding.