[alfa] Brake Bleeding Procedure

["Jay Mackro" <jmackro@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have read the various posters' procedures for bleeding brakes.
Using "speedbleeders" makes sense, but I must admit this is
something I have never done.  I also read about using a spouse
or piece of wood (don't tell your spouse they're interchangable!)
to hold the pedal to the floor while the bleed screw is closed.

Well, I don't do any of those things - I just attach a simple piece
of flexible hose to the bleedscrew, put the other end into a can of
brake fluid so that it is immersed, and pump the pedal a few times.
Then I tighten the bleedscrew.  I always seem to have a firm pedal
at the end of this process.

But, I do respect the expertise of the Digesti.  So, my question
is: "why do I need a one-way valve, or to shut off the bleed
screw before allowing the pedal to rise?"  Or phrased another
way: "What harm/danger  is involved in my more simplistic
procedure?"

Incidently, I have found that when changing master cylinders, it
is essential to "bench bleed" them.  This seems to prime the
cylinder with fluid - otherwise, it won't pump when installed.

Jay Mackro
San Juan Capistrano, Ca.
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