Brake Pedal Feel with Speed Bleeders

[qwerty4550]

Hey all, I put on speedbleeders yesterday (used thread sealant) and bled my brakes. Once I get going, braking is no problem. However, when I am just sitting and pushing the brake pedal, it feels as if the brake pedal doesn't hold firm. It feels as if it actually pushes in slightly even though I am holding the same pressure with my foot. Whenever I get the time I am going to put the car back up on jack stands and make sure that all of the bleeders are tight; however, I was just wondering if anybody else with speedbleeders has an issue with this. I am pretty sure all of the bleeder valves are tight, maybe I need to put more thread sealant on the threads?

Thanks for any help.

 

[mortimersnerd]

If you're not leaking around the bleeders, you've still got air in the system.

 

[Hank3]

Yeah, make sure none of the bleeders are leaking first. When I had a set of them on my Subie, the front ones would leak. They need to be loosened a bit and then maybe tightened again. They're can be persnickety little suckers.

If that's not the problem, then I'd assume it's air in the system like mortimer said.

 

[qwerty4550]

Alright thanks guys. I will crack open the speed bleeders again and put on a new seal of teflon tape on the threads. I won't be able to get to it until next week probably, it should be fine to drive on right?

 

[Hank3]

Should...unless you start to feel that the brake pedal feels unsafe to use. Check and see if the rubber caps are still on the Speedbleeders, too. One of mine kept popping off due to the fluid leaking out.

 

[Kain]

I wouldn't wait for something as important as brakes. Call me paranoid, but you may need them at their best between now and the next time you "get around to it."

 

[Sport6]

I thought air in the brakes was good? I mean Semi's and buses have air brakes?


No I am kidding, I would get around to it sooner than later just to be safe.

 

[qwerty4550]

Alright thanks for all of the input guys. I will have to find time to do it between work and summer school.

 

[RichB]

Hmm....I've never seen Speed bleeders before. Does anyone reccomend these for the speed 3?

 

[Nliiitend1]

I have a set that I've yet to put in...waiting until I have to bleed again (which will probably be pretty soon).

 

[Kain]

I had speed bleeders on my previous car and they make flushing brakes much easier. Just open the valve, pump the brake pedal, close valve, top off fluid, repeat until there are no bubbles in your lines.

 

[qwerty4550]

I definitely recommend them. They are easy to put in and make bleeding much easier. Just make sure to have some clear hosing and a gatorade bottle lying around. Also make sure to put plenty of thread sealant on the speed bleeders before putting them on. That was my problem the first time around.

 

[RichB]

Thanks guys!

I know the clutch uses the same reservoir, anyone bleed the clutch fluid yet? would the speed bleeders apply there also?

 

[RichB]

nobody has tried to bleed the clutch reservoir?

 

[jdwk]

The problem with thread sealant is that it only lasts one time. As soon as you crack them up again, the seal is destroyed.

I've had speed bleeders on all my cars, and the expensive Earl's (owned by Holley) don't leak even when cracked. The cheap autozone/pep boys ones tend to leak when pumping the brakes unless I wrap them in teflon first, but like I said that only lasts for one round.

Once they are tightened down, they should not leak. I would be very surprised if they do, but shouldn't be hard to diagnose as you will be losing fluid.

Most likely you still have some air in the lines. Air bubbles can get trapped and be a real pain to get out. I usually bleed until all the old dark fluid is out and the fluid is perfectly clear, then reuse that fluid for a good 16 oz or so.

The pedal should literally be rock hard when you are done.

Then I usually drive around for a while, and if I am not happy, I do it again. I am not sure I have ever been happy the first time with my Mazdas. It may have to do with the order of bleeding, but every manual I have says something different. I haven't had nearly as much trouble bleeding my GM cars.

 

[noobinacan]

1) If the bleed valved is closed (don't over tighten at all or you'll ruin the caliper)
then its closed. speed bleeder or not.

2) if you feel like there is air in the system, get someone to push on the pedal, and as they are pushing down on the pedal. close the bleed valve, basically bleed them the old school way.

3) I use motive bleeder, vs messing about with speed bleeders...

also, speedbleeder sells this thread sealant, which you can buy and put on the bleeders.