Solo Brake Bleeding Options

[EdwardBlume]

I have a spongy brake pedal that firms up upon pumping. No visible leaks, I think the brakes just need bleeding.

Any good how to descriptions, especially how I can do it by myself? What equipment is needed to fill fluid?

Thanks,
Rob

[Markl]

There's a CSOB old farmer's way of pressurizing your brake system. Cut an innertube around the valve stem so it's the same size as the gasket in your brake master's reservoir. Drill a hole in the reservoir cap so the valve stem sticks out and put it back on the reservoir. Remove the schrader from the stem, put on a bicycle hand pump and give it a little pressure. Bleed from the furthest back to the M/C, giving it a few pumps and checking the fluid level between each wheel. Cheap, easy, using stuff you probably already have in your garage. And when you put the cap back on the valve stem it's all sealed, so you can leave it in place for the next time you need it.

I used an original windshield washer tube, connected to the spare. and an old VW reservoir cap with an empty Schraeder valve installed. Valve cap on the valve when you're done. Simple, cheap, toss it in your trunk.