Speed bleeder VS. Solo-bleed

[99gst_racer]

The prupose of this thread is to discuss these two styles of automatic bleeders.


#1: Speed bleeder. This is the more common design. This is an offering from Russell.

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Likes: Simplistic design, moving parts are all internal, more common to find "in stock"

Dislikes: Relies on thread sealant to not allow air in while bleeding


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#2: Solo-bleed. This is the less common design. This is an offering from Earls.

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Likes: Seals air out right at the bleed hole in the caliper.

Dislikes: Seems like the brass plunger could eventually wear out and/or deform after several cycles of use. Less common to find "in stock".

 

[snowborder714]

I don't have anything to discuss because I haven't used both, but I've had SpeedBleeders in all 4 calipers and my slave cylinder for years since I did the GSX caliper swap. I also have a bottle of the thread sealant in case I'd ever need to replace it. I have only great things to say about them, and have yet to have any issues with the sealant. I have replaced it on a few of them so far, but it was more for safe measure and/or I replaced the part they were in (e.g. replaced the slave a year or two ago). I love being able to crack them open, hook up a hose, and bleed the brakes/clutch system without having to open/close the bleeder every pedal pump. It makes my brother's job (who's usually the one manning that part of the procedure) much easier

 

[99gst_racer]

I've got the speed bleeders on my Talon right now, and I'm having a hell of a time trying to bleed all of the air out. They just don't seem to be working as well as they are supposed to be.

Another concern with the design is the thread sealant. I removed an old speed bleeder from an old caliper to see that all of the sealant had worn off of the threads. I would assume that unless more sealant was applied, that air could enter the system past the threads when you lift off the pedal. I really like the fact that the Solo-bleeders seal right at the flare/hole to completely remove the threads from the equation.


Anyway, I would like to hear of opinions from others about these.

 

[snowborder714]

I have never seen or heard of the Solo-bleeders, so I'd like to hear if anyone out there is using them as well.

 

[Artago]

^ Same. I don't have either but I've been eyeballing speedbleeders... would like to know if the alternative is better.

 

[99gst_racer]

Brian, this might sound like a silly question, but how far do you crack them open while bleeding? 1/4 turn, 1/2 turn, etc...??

I have a feeling that I wasn't cracking mine open far enough...

 

[snowborder714]

I believe the instructions say 1/4 - 1/2 turn. It's been a while since I've bled my brakes (need to do it soon before any HPDE events), so I don't remember exactly. I want to say it's closer to 1/2 turn. I usually crack them and start pumping, and then keep opening if I feel any resistance or am not getting a good flow of fluid out of the bleeder.

 

[7"exhaust_tip]

I've had a lot of experience with them, and I will say Paul, that some of the Russell brand ones that I purchased before did not work right out of the packaging. I think it was like 2/4 or 1/4 that I bought through Russell just didn't work. I remember doing the same thing and wondering how far I had to turn it and was stumped. Then tried another one and it just worked....

As far as the actual Speed Bleeder brand, all 5/5 that I have used all worked.

Also I had tried some of the garbage ones you can pick up from the local parts store. None of those worked at all. I've also heard horror stories on the local forum about them as well.

Just something to consider.


Also, I have no experience with the solo bleeders.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I've got the speed bleeders on my Talon right now, and I'm having a hell of a time trying to bleed all of the air out. They just don't seem to be working as well as they are supposed to be.

Another concern with the design is the thread sealant. I removed an old speed bleeder from an old caliper to see that all of the sealant had worn off of the threads. I would assume that unless more sealant was applied, that air could enter the system past the threads when you lift off the pedal. I really like the fact that the Solo-bleeders seal right at the flare/hole to completely remove the threads from the equation.


Anyway, I would like to hear of opinions from others about these.

This is pretty much my experience, too, with speedbleeders. I've only use them on my slave so far but never did I ever have a perfect pedal with that thing installed. I let air in when I cracked it loose to allow fluid through. No matter how little I opened it up it still let in air.

 

[99gst_racer]

I wish I had the solo-bleeders in stock in the 2G (7mm) size. I'd definitely like to try them out.

If I can't get a good pedal feel after bleeding again tonight, then I'll order in the solo-bleeders and I'll let you guys know how they work out.

 

[Artago]

I wish I had the solo-bleeders in stock in the 2G (7mm) size. I'd definitely like to try them out.

If I can't get a good pedal feel after bleeding again tonight, then I'll order in the solo-bleeders and I'll let you guys know how they work out.

Sweet, can't wait to see the results!

 

[tkelly27]

What is wrong with a check valve and some clear plastic tubing? You've got to do it at all 4 corners anyway.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

What is wrong with a check valve and some clear plastic tubing? You've got to do it at all 4 corners anyway.

Aren't these, essentially, check valves? It's not costly to get one per wheel either.
What kind of valve do you use?

 

[BoredDSM]

Not to thread jack but what tools and methods are you guys using to bleed your brakes and clutches? I purchased a Mityvac vacuum pump and they seem to work fairly well. We also have a machine that you hook up to the 4 bleeder valves and it sucks them all out at the same time and adds fluid.

To adress the various bleeder screw issues, I have used the speed bleeders and I find that regular bleeders with a better tool makes it much easier.

 

[97gst_spyder]

How much are all 5 solo-bleeders (calipers and slave)?

I have always just hooked a hose to the regular bleeder and put it in brake fluid and pumped and filled. No issues at all.

 

[99gst_racer]

Speed bleeders run about $10-15 per pair. Solo's are about $15-20.

I blead mine again tonight, and still no improvement. I'll be ordering the Solo-bleed valves tomorrow.

 

[romeen]

I've bled my brakes twice since installing a set of Russell speed bleeders. No matter how much I bleed the system it seems like I never end up with as firm of a pedal feel as I do using a vacuum pump. Not saying they don't work. It just seems like my results haven't been quite as good as other methods.

 

[99gst_racer]

I've bled my brakes twice since installing a set of Russell speed bleeders. No matter how much I bleed the system it seems like I never end up with as firm of a pedal feel as I do using a vacuum pump. Not saying they don't work. It just seems like my results haven't been quite as good as other methods.

Got a link to the vacuum pump setup that you use?

 

[BoredDSM]

Got a link to the vacuum pump setup that you use?

Home of the Mechanic's Tool Club

Try that one out. It is the one I purchased for use at work and is pretty solid. The only thing that it might not work with is if you have ABS. I noticed no matter how many times you pump and bleed or vacuum bleed brakes, the pedal will remain soft for a little while.

 

[Sandman817]

So i've read through this whole thread and trying to understand how these are better than a regular caliper bleeder. Are these just alot easier to bleed your brakes?

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I've ordered 2x speed bleeders from 3sx performance. I received 4.

 

[Spyder FX]

So i've read through this whole thread and trying to understand how these are better than a regular caliper bleeder. Are these just alot easier to bleed your brakes?

It's a fancy check valve.

I have them on all 4 corners and my slave cylinder, but I use the speed bleeder brand. I don't know if there is much difference between them and Russel though. I've personally never had an issue using them to bleed brakes.

 

[Sandman817]

So you still have to crack these open and bleed them like the factory style bleeders?

 

[romeen]

Got a link to the vacuum pump setup that you use?

No, it belongs to an acquaintance and I don't recall who it's made by but I can try to find out for you. I remember that it was a fairly simple device and easy to use.

 

[snowborder714]

So you still have to crack these open and bleed them like the factory style bleeders?

You crack them once and bleed. For factory ones, you have to keep opening and closing the bleeder valve with the person who pumps the brake pedals and releases it. These you just crack open and start pumping the pedal. When you pull the pedal (or release) it and it travels back up, the built in check valve keeps air from being pulled into the system.