Brake Bleed Fluid Pump: Does It Exist?

[rideit]

Ok, bear with me, kids. At 3:00 in the morning, (total insomnia) I had an idea for a product that must exist in some form already. Basically, I am looking for a very low power ‘sump’ pump. The idea is to have the intake inserted into a container of brake fluid, and the output go through a hose the same diameter of whatever your brake requires to connect to the bleed port or nipple. I would also like to make a locking ‘quick connect’ hose fitting for the Shimano bleed nipple.
This is very simple technology, I would imagine, and could be quite small and rechargeable.
It wouldn’t be revolutionary, but not ever having to faff with at least one less syringe could really, really simplify the bleed process.
Does anyone know how they add fluid to brake sets during initial setup at the manufacturers?
It has to be somewhat similar.
I definitely want to experiment with this over the winter.

[rideit]

Maybe something like this?
I guess it would be cheap as hell to try.
This could be a cool doohickey.

[rideit]

Update: just ordered one.

[toast2266]

Having to bleed your brakes so often that you dream about motorized brake fluid pumps is a sign that you should get different brakes.

[rideit]

Actually, the idea is to make the process much faster and reliable for doing commercial quantities of full bleeds. I maintain a rental fleet, so I probably do 50 bleeds a season.
This will be cleaner, faster, and less chance of accidental aeration.
Could be used for any brake with the right fittings.
Another thing that made me think of it is that I had one operation in Jan. that completely immobilized one thumb, and I’m having the other done soon. This would simplify one hand operation greatly.
The quick connect for Shimano has needed to happen for decades.

[toast2266]

Ha! Ok, that makes more sense.

The problem I see is that you're only forcing fluid in one direction, which I find usually doesn't do a great job of getting all the bubbles out.

I'm also picturing a fitting inadvertently popping off which then leads to the pump squirting brake fluid through a flailing hose that douses both you and your entire shop. Make sure you have a video running for your first few attempts at this.

[rideit]

That’s the impetus behind figuring out the secure Shimano quick-connect first.
I am also thinking of a foot-switch or something.

In most cases, Shimano bleeds are one way only. (For me)

[mntlion]

cool idea for bulk bleed work (like rental fleets)

Not sure its needed for public, (or even small shop use)

but VERY cool idea to see

[chaka]

cool idea! Is that small pump rated for fluid viscosities other than water?

[SJG]

I have used power bleeders on cars, and hope this helps. You do not need more than 4-5psi to do the job. More is asking for problems. Don't ask how I know this.

Personally I'd not use a pump. I'd use a reservoir and pump it up with a bike pump (air in top), til' you get sufficient pressure. More control than compressor or pump. Cleaner too.

https://www.amazon.com/KZINO-Extract.../dp/B0BP1Z83W3

is a good example

Good luck.

[rideit]

Exactly. A very slow trickle would be ideal.

[SJG]

the power bleeders also work by pushing in clean brake fluid, via the air pressure in the tank. So you never run out of fluid, and don't push air into the system, as long as the power bleeder tank has brake fluid in it. You could have 2 systems for under $100, 1 for DOT and 1 for mineral oil. Would work great in a shop.

[rideit]

Yes, that’s the idea. It seems to me that every time you draw fluid into a syringe or whatever, air bubbles are introduced, whether you can see them or not. Even when they are what I call ‘carbonated’ (essentially invisible, but then they join together over time, and create a larger bubble.
The thought here is to have fluid ready to go in a reservoir that is under pressure from the top. The hose, with some sort of secure fitting, would just plug into the caliper bleed nipple, already purged of air.
If this works the way that I envision, it would make a complete bottom up bleed possible in literally a few minutes. In addition, it f I can get some sort of secure fitting figured out, the risk of oil contamination would become MUCH lower than now, even with pads/wheel installed/etc.
The beauty of the idea is that it is simple, cheap, and easy to execute.

Please keep any ideas coming, I’m really stoked to work on this!

[One (+) Sentence]

We had one of these in the shop in 2017 or 2018. It took longer and was actually messier than doing a traditional full bleed. It was kinda fun to use once or twice though. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yRECzc_5OUg

[rideit]

That is indeed pretty much what I am envisioning, but I think that it could be MUCH cheaper, simpler, and easier to use. The absolute key is going to be a reliable quick connect mechanism.
That seems like the weak link to that one as well.

For the record, I certainly assumed from the get-go that this has been explored, but not developed further for a bunch of reasons.

[One (+) Sentence]

I figured that thing was still on the market, but it looks like it is not.

[stuckathuntermtn]

A big squeezy reservoir with a hose and an exchangeable fitting on the end? Would allow you to squeeze till the fluid is right to the end. The tube just needs to be long enough so the reservoir (think big, clear enema bulb) can rest on a stand's tool tray or a neighboring counter. Then you'd have a fluid container going right to the brake lever. I know you can get a good enough bleed on both Shimanos and Maguras just squeezing the lever and flicking the line.
When the bleed fitting is disconnected, air pressure should keep the fluid from spilling much.
I suppose you could risk aerating the fluid when you disconnect, so maybe there's a valve type situation where sir doesn't flow back into the bulb.
That's what I picture from what you wrote. As I'm writing this, I'm also picturing an IV bag sort of situation. That would give you gravity, the tubing has a valve. 1 bag for DOT and 1 for mineral oil?

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[SJG]

FWIW if you use vacuum to pull it, you WILL end up with bubbles. If you use pressure and push, you won't.

[rideit]

Yes, I realize that. One way only, pushing fluid through the system, pressurized from above.

[rideit]

Haha, found this…I bet I can make a decent system for under $40 unless I need to have something machined.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Ok, but hear me out: IV bag, stand, tubing.

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[rideit]

I don’t think that would create consistent pressure, unless you had the IV bag on the second floor. Think of how hard you have to press to get the fluid through with a syringe…
The idea is to have a small, clean, easily storable solution.

[XXX-er]

I have smallest zip ties keeping the tubes on my bleed syringe,

you could also keep a plastic tube on a nipple with the smallest hose clamp

[stuckathuntermtn]

Why are you trying to pressurize it?

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[rideit]

To get the fluid to push through the system from the caliper up. (Replicating the pressure that is created by the syringe).
Duh.