I too bought a hand held vacuum bleeder - from Sears. It did not work as I thought. I also bought a power bleeder from one of the Corvette parts houses but I could not get it to seal properly or it was because my master cylinder was allowing air into the system. Each caused frustration and a sore hand. I finally had the work completed by a much more competent mechanic. But I did save myself some money buying the parts and attempting to do the job myself.

I agree the pressure bleed seems to be the best, I just resently purchased the adapter for the master cyl and used an store bought sprayer for the air pump, worked great. I tried the old master cly cover with the pump but could never get a good seal. I like the idea of using the air compresure but was afraid to try that. if you use the pressure bleed adapter the chains do not work as good as using a big c clamp to get a good seal. the only time the hand vacum pump worked well, was when the perportioning valve needed to be reset.

 ok I did replace my master cylinder and a rear caliper,, I pressure bled them( with the help of my wife pumping the brakes)So my brakes are fine,, I packed the steering gear box full of grease, and it is muccchhh better,, I DO NOT advise buying the suction gizmo for brakes,,but it does work well for sucking 90 wt, outa whatever,,rd

The mighty vac has its places to be used. I originally bought it for the bleeding the brakes like you guys. I found out it is great for checking out the vac systems on these old cars.

As far as a tool for bleeding the brakes, pressure bleeders are hard to beat. I made one out of a garden sprayer. I also used it to pressure test my cooling system. 

Don't forget, you can also make your own pressure bleeder, and they work great.  Check here for the post.

i bought a unit the hooks up to my compressor and can suck any type of liquid. it is also great for bleeding the brake lines. it has an adjustable flow control on it so you don't suck the fluid too fast. i have used it on my 90 and also on my grandson's jimmy and it was great. it is also good for emptying the p/s pump resevoir, trans fluid, etc.

when i had to take the intake off my 90 it was great as i sucked all the antifreeze out of the manifold before i took it off.
eddie208752009-03-15 07:54:55