I'm an old hand at pulling wrenches, although I only do my own brake work, not commercially. Since the days when all four corners had drum brakes, I remember one of the most aggravating and dreaded tasks was bleeding the system. Not that it was that, hard, but good help was hard to come by, and it took two to do it right.
This is so wonderful, I had to show them off to friends who are professional mechanics, who were unaware of them. This model (639580) is for the calipers on the front brakes, and this review was written for the Model no. 639520 Speed Bleeder for the rear drum brakes on the same vehicle. My enthusiasm applies to both products.
I had to replace a wheel cylinder on my old Tahoe, (all my vehicles are old enough to vote), and after I got the new wheel cylinder in and the brake reassembled and adjusted, I removed the stock bleeder screw and replaced it with a speed bleeder (The Russell 639520 for the 11 inch GM drum brake of that vintage). I gently ran the bleeder in until it touched bottom with a deep well socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet, backed off 1/2 turn, and re-filled the reservoir on the master cylinder. Five pumps of the pedal later, I pulled the catch hose and jar off the bleeder screw, tightened it up, and topped off the reservoir, and was done!
Just that quick. No waiting on someone to come help with it, no hollering back and forth ("push down, hold, (Huh, what's you say?) pump it again and hold", etc. )
Frankly, I have a small herd of vehicles, all a couple decades old or older, and I am plumb excited about these.
You are supposed to bleed the brake system every couple of years to eliminate old brake fluid and any moisture that may have worked its way into the system, and this will make that a breeze!!
IMPORTANT:
Let me note also, that I blasted out the open end of the bleeder screw with WD-40 after I had tightened it, before I put on the cap, because brake fluid attracts water, and water inevitably invites corrosion. That way the check valve will survive for the next time.
It is a great time/labor saver and I have already recommended this product to others.
| Material | Zink Plated Steel |
|---|---|
| Head Style | Hex |
| Exterior Finish | Machined |
| Metal Type | Alloy Steel |
| Brand | RUSSELL |
| Item Weight | 0.01 Ounces |
| Size | Onesize |
| Manufacturer | Edelbrock |
| Model | 639580 |
| Item Weight | 0.01 ounces |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | 639580 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 639580 |
| OEM Part Number | 639580 |
