I think the rating is ~7ft*lbs of torque for the screws. So basically only the force of resting a milk jug on the end of a 12 inch wrench.

I have Earl's solo-bleeders and they make things so much easier/quicker. You can do many short strokes quickly to prevent getting to the end of pedal travel and don't have to open and close the dang bleeders 200 times.

 

I use the pressure bleeder myself so I can do it alone. And I also have speed bleeders, so the air won't go backwards. Speed bleeders just make it easier, but not necessary for a good job.

I think a pressure bleeder is a good thing to have, and use. My 02

 

I had a hose hooked onto the end of my bleeder valves. When I shut them, the hose was full of fluid, so I'm fairly confident that no air went back into the calipers.

If what you say about the bleeder valves is true with regard to tightening, then I don't think I've damaged anything. I havn't seen any fluid coming out. Just the couple of drips in the valve hole, and any dripage after I removed the hose. (it's kinda hard to wipe all of it off in some areas.)

 

Sounds like everything went pretty well. I always find myself probably having more 'mind-over-matter' sensitivity after doing such work and always seem to 'feel' a spongy pedal until after a full track session with no problems (or problems, had those too).

As for wiping off the bleed screw, or 101 other uses, stock up on cans of brake cleaner. It's a gift from the gods for everything greasy/oily.

1. It does indeed pretty much cut through about any form of oil or grease.

2. It comes out of the can with enough pressure to reach tough places and/or blow away debris as it cuts through the oily mess.

3. It evaporates quickly.

But be careful with it around painted surfaces and non-gloved hands, it's a little harsh (not run screaming to the sink harsh, just it'll ruin your silky -smooth touch with the ladies skin).

Not only would a quick squirt have helped with those bleed screws, but any time you're changing fluids and have those drips, or need to clean up a messy area (broken grease seal, a little splill while filling oil or brake fluid MC, etc.).

Lastly, unlike many similar solvents, it is safe around all your rubber seals/boots, etc. , which is not true of some other cleaners people have tried to use for similar purposes.

 

Haha, yeah, I learned quite a bit about brake cleaner when painting my last set of calipers on the old car. the valve on the can broke and got EVERYWHERE on me.

Unfortunately, I used up my last can while prepping my rear calipers for painting. I'll pick up another can shortly. I'm sure I'll be needing it to help with the parental unit's vehicles.

I can't stand the smell though.