Matt's RV-8 Project



Matt Dralle's RV-8 Project
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Date:  4-5-2010
Number of Hours:  3.00
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  Bleeding The Brakes - Part 1

Well, I thought bleeding the brakes was going to be a lot harder than it was. Well, sort of. After I got the left and right sides bled the first time, I realized that I had a major leak on the high-pressure side of BOTH master cylinders and had to drain out all of the fluid and try to tighten the 90 degree aluminum fittings one whole extra turn which isn't exactly easy under normal conditions, but in the confines of the RV-8 footwell is somewhat of a giant pain in the a**.

After the first bleed, everything looked good, but I thought I'd better get in the pilot's seat and work the brakes a bit just to make sure nothing "popped". I pumped them a few time and happened to look down and noticed two large "rivers" of brake fluid running down the floor between my legs! ACK! I hopped out and used a bunch of paper towels to clean up the mess. But, during the event, fricken ran out of paper towels and had to rush down to the store and get some more to finish cleaning up the mess. Sheeze.

After I got the fittings tightened another turn, I went though the bleeding process again, and actually found that it was a lot easier and that I got a much better, more solid "bleed" the second time around.

So here's a tip. Hop on the Aircraft Spruce or ATS web site and order up the ATS Deluxe Brake Bleeder, Model Number 225DX. This hand pressure pump comes with the necessary fitting for the fill nipple on the bottom of the brakes supplied by Van's. The pump works great and gives you just the right amount of control of the flow to bleed like a pro. No need to order the extra Cleveland fitting, btw, the pump comes with it.

Cont Next Log (Includes Step-by-step proceedure)...
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ATS Deluxe Brake Bleeder Model 225DX

ATS Deluxe Brake Bleeder Model 225DX

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Attaching Bleeder To Right Brake

Attaching Bleeder To Right Brake

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Paper Towels Around Reservoir

Paper Towels Around Reservoir

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