Preping to Bleed Steering & Brakes

[VimyJ]

I've been reading up on how to bleed/flush the power steering and brake systems on the J. Any suggestions? This is going to be a one man job so any tips would be greatly appreciated. I also read of a DIY device that functions like an industrial flusher. It sells for ~$50 and involves a hand pressurized tank. http://www.motiveproducts.com/ will link you up to them.

Is transmission fluid acceptable for power steering fluid or is a dedicated power steering fluid preferable? Is Dot 5.1 acceptable for the J30's brakes? What is a solid non racing brand for the brake fluid? Thanks.

[Mayhem_J30]

I can't think of any other way to do the brakes by yourself without a special device. I just get the girlfriend to pump the brakes for me. It's good for her legs anyway.

ATF is acceptable for PS fluid.DOT 3/5.1 compatible is acceptable for brake fluid.

To make it short I just use Valvoline Synpower for ALL fluids except coolant, because there isn't one. You will want to buy at least two of the big brake fluid bottles for a good flush of the system. And check that resivoir VERY OFTEN, every few pumps, to keep from sucking air in..otherwise you'll be there all day.

[911/Q45]

Griot's Garage has a slick vacuum brake bleeder for $70. You hook it up to your bleeder, pump it up and open the bleeder and it sucks the fluid out. No mess and a one man job. Check it out on their web site.

[EWT]

Speedbleeders (http://www.speedbleeder.com) makes bleeding brakes a simple task. I've got a set on my Supra that used to get the brake fluid flushed at least once a month for track events, and they work great. You just open the screw, pump the brakes, and close the screw again. They used to be available at Pep Boys, but the ones around here don't carry them anymore. The section they were in has now been replaced by useful stuff like indiglo gauges, LED washer nozzles, and lighted exhaust tips.

Valvoline brake fluid is very good stuff BTW. It works better on the racetrack than some of the high $ "racing brake fluids."

[blackJ30T]

I have a beater scorpio with a leaky rack, and I tried trans fluid. The results are not too bad. The fluid is thinner, so the effort is higher, and it leaks more. But you can buy it in big cheap bottles.

[Eswift]

vimy, i also HIGHLY reccommend the speed bleeders. they are made in illinois, and when i ordered them they arrrived in like 2 days. they are the most worthy sub-$10/each upgrade for any car, in my opinion...especially if you are going to want to do the bleeding on your own.