Bleeding Brakes

Bleeding Brakes:

I used a one man bleeding method to bleed brakes. This certainly isn't the only way and there are many variations on this tool and process. Bellow is a picture of what I use hooked up. A tube is positioned inside the bottom of a coffee can. The coffee can is filled so the fluid covers the end of the tube. The other end of the tube is pushed over the bleeder on the brake. I have a larger coffee can with lid I use to store the smaller one with the used fluid and tubing. This set up can also be used to flush the brake system.

Operation

Usually starting at the furthest brake from the master cylinder provides best results.
Place the container on the floor next to the car. Keep the tube higher then the container to prevent drainage.
Connect the tube to the brake bleeder.
Open the bleeder.
Place the container on a something higher then the bleeder screw. This helps the air travel up and out of the system. It also helps if the line is long enough and positioned so it can be seen from the drivers seat to monitor the air escaping.
Gradually press the brake pedal as far as it will go.
Slowly release the brake pedal. This prevents the air from being sucked back into the system.
Repeat several time until no present coming out of the system. While also keeping the master cylinder full.
Tighten bleeder.
Place the container on the floor. Disconnect and raise the tube. This prevents fluid from rushing out and drains it back into the container.

Pros:

Relatively clean.
One man operation.

Cons:

Clear tubing eventually deteriorates.

Other options - I've seen this set up done in a hand sized bottle. This is nice but you cannot see the air in the tubing from inside the car so there's a tendency to waste fluid.