I was thinking of purchasing a set of speed bleeders to install when I go to do my brakes. I just want to know if they are worth it, if they really work that good?

I have a full set, and I think they're great if you do most of your work by yourself. So far I haven't seen anything negative about them, so I start to wonder why they didn't design them that way to begin with. They're definitely worth it IMHO.

how do they work?

do you just unsrew them, then pump the air out, and no fluid leaves the system?

Thanks,
Jesse

What size JZA? I have thought about getting these but don't know which ones to get.
87 Iroc with 4-wheel discs.

oldblueZ: You just open them up a turn, run a tube from them into a jar filled with water or brake fluid, then start pumping the pedal while watching the jar until there's no more bubbles, then tighten down the screw and move on to the next one. You run out of fluid fast, so watch the reservoir! Don't ask how I know that. Just compared to doing it the old way, I wasn't used to having to check it that quickly after getting started. The screws have a spring-loaded one-way check valve inside them (stuff goes out, doesn't come in), as well as a coating on the threads to help prevent air from getting in.

Dragula: I couldn't tell you what size for the rear discs because mine are drums, but the Summit guys sent me the wrong ones for them anyway. I believe they sent me the screws for the disc brake rears. Those were PN#3956. The ones that worked on my car were PN#3958 (front) and PN#3952 (rear).

I'm pretty sure the calipers take the same size bleeder screw, front or rear.

JZA,
The reason you were probably running out of fluid faster with the speed bleeders is because with the two man operation a lot of people leave the bleeder valve open while the other guy pumps the brake. The reason it doesn't run out as fast and is not as effective at expelling air is because it's sucking fluid back up through the hose when he releases the brake. The correct way is to open it as he begins to press on the pedal and close it before he reaches the bottom, and start over till all the air is expelled. I'm just guessing about the way you do it cause the majority of the people I know don't do it the correct way. The speed bleeders work much in the same way opens when pressure is applied and doesn't allow any fluid to be siphoned back up through the hose when the pressure is released.

I have a pair for the fornt or rear...I forget,I got them from pepboys and they were out. they discontinued them and I cant find anymore. I think they helped a little,but I wouldn't rely on them to properly bleed the brakes. I had my brakes blead at midas to make sure they were done right,the guy said that it was remarkably easy to do the check valve ones!

Here's a cut away view of one for those of you interested in installing a set.

Summit strikes again!!! #3956 are not for the disc brake rears....I have the wrong bleeders now with no receit....argh!!!

Russells design relies on teflon coating on their threads to keep air from sucking backflow. That teflon wears out after 2 or 3 uses and they become useless because the spring assembly is internal.

Earls Solo-Bleeds however have a rear mount style spring and does NOT reliy on the threads needing sealing. A much better and more reliable design.

JZA

Do you have front disc/rear drum? If you do then I will just get the same part numbers that you have?

Halfpint,

Do you happen to know what part number a 1985 camaro w/ front disc/rear drum would take for the Earl's solo bleeders for the front and the rear.

Front iron calipers (non-1LE) use part # 280029. I would assume that the rear drums would use the same bleeder. Don't think GM would go to a different size. The #280029 also works on late model GM truck calipers also.

Does someone have the thread count? I know the fitting is 10mm, I want to get a thread count to do some research. The #3956 are too fine of a thread and they are 10mm x 1.0 x 35mm , So How would these size up? Also I have noticed that the #280029 that everyone says is the ticket for the solo bleeds is 10mm x 1.5 x 27mm. How are the threads counted? Also no one carry's that pn# in thier catalog. I need bleeders....quick

I have the #280029 bleeders on my car now- trust me, they work perfect- they are the ones you want. Get them through Summit Racing, part # EAR-280029; http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...art=ear-280029

SO you have the 10.5" 4 wheel disc's on your car I take it? Tryin to figure out if I need to sets of the same or two different sets.

I have 4-wheel disc 10.5"/ iron calipers (not 12"/aluminum PBR's)

You need 1 Solo-bleeder per wheel- 2 come in a package:

So 1 part #280029 = 2 bleeders (1pair)

I needed 2 pairs/ or 2- #280029's