Mityvac?

[ice_station_zebra]

So, I'm planning to do the clutch and the brakes this week. I was just going to unscrew and replace the old bleeders with a little grease on the threads of the speed bleeders (to keep out air?) . Am I doing this right? Also,does it make any sense to use a mityvac with the speed bleeders...thinking more suction will draw out more garbage than just pumping the levers alone?

 

[BigOgre]

I'm far from an expert but have put these on a few of my bikes and do like them.  Definitely makes the job simpler for me.  Haven't used the Mityvac either.

If that's your own pic that's posted you'll see that the Speed-bleeders come with some sort of lube/locker already around each thread.  I've never felt the need to add anything else there and have not had a problem with leaks, either air or fluid.  What I have done, and maybe what you're thinking about, is to put a dab of grease on the external end of each bleeder before slipping the hose over it whenever I've done a bleed.  This not only helps the drain tube go on easier but will also help seal it against any air getting sucked back in at that point.  There is a downside to this however in that the tube can now move around easier on the bleeder, possibly allowing air to slip in or even come off the bleeder altogether.

My suggestion would be to think through your set-up if you'll be doing this by yourself.  I usually put a glass jar on the ground (below the bleeder level) and have a hose cut at the right length to allow it to stay at the bottom of the jar (inside the fluid) and with just enough pressure (bend?) at top to keep it on the bleeder.  Too short and it'll pop off, too long and you'll be fighting to keep the jar upright.  I'll also put a small spring clamp or two in strategic places to help keep the hose from moving.

Oh, and keep the dog out of the garage too.  "What's in the jar, huh?  What is it??  Gonna sniff it!"   :swoon:

 

[RossKean]

Personally never felt the need for Speedbleeders but that is a matter of personal taste.  (Figure they might save me 15 minutes every two years or so.) 

No need or advantage in bleeding with a Mityvac using Speedbleeders.  Pressure from the lever is greater than the vacuum and the result of using the vacuum might be sucking air from around the Speedbleeder.  Not much "garbage" to expel.  Mostly a need to refresh the fluid and eliminate moisture from the system.  Clutch will be far worse than brakes.

If you haven't done it before, remember that the right front lower piston is part of the linked braking system and is bled from the rear brake (and rear brake reservoir).  Do it before you bleed the rear brake itself

 

[Intech]

As with everything else, do what works for you. I can still bleed my brakes with the stock bleeders, but the speed bleeders make the job much easier IMO. Using a vac with speed bleeders is wasted effort. 

As stated in the other sandbox, if you have a lot of air in the system the speed bleeders will not work. Experienced that personally after changing an ABS block. The bike had speed bleeders and we could not get the air out. Swapped them with the stock bleeders that I kept and was able to bleed properly.

 

[rbentnail]

I use speedbleeders on all my vehicles.  To me it simplifies the process on the bike.  I do not own a vacuum and the times I've seen people attempt with one it's never gone well.  Speedbleeders do not require anything more on the threads, they come with a sealant.

 

[FJR Flyer]

I've used a mityvac for years with good success, especially on my FJ long clutch line.  I did get the Motion Pro mini brake bleeder and used it on my '06 with good success.

Motion Pro Mini Brake Bleeder