Dear Forum,

Given the somewhat complicated (but very effective) braking system on our Jaguars, when flushing my brake fluid, please could someone tell me whether I can use one of these systems that enable you to pump new brake fluid from the bleed nipple on the calipers UP to the brake reservoir?

(Read EsRay's Post #6 BEFORE replying - GGG)

I ask because (obviously) the 'uphill trajectory' of these systems is simple and very good at not allowing air in?

But would there be any problem's with our ABS, Park Brake systems etc, please?

 

I have a power (hand pump air) brake flush system. It screws on the top of the reservoir.
Works great, but is normal, fluid is pushed through the master cylinder to the ABS pump to the calipers. Works way better than pumping the pedal.

 

If you are referring to the Motive power bleeder system, it does work fantastic, BUT..... replace the clear hoses that came with the system with some real hydraulic hose before you use it again. Those clear vinyl hoses are not chemically very resistant to DOT3/4 brake fluid and they will eventually soften and rupture after a few years. Actually happened to me twice. First time I thought it was just because the hose had developed a kink in it while in storage. After cleaning up the mess (thankfully didn't damage anything) and replacing one section of hose it happened again on another section. That's when I started researching and found hundreds of posts on the internet about this problem with the Motive bleeder hoses. I understand why they sell it with clear hose. It is kind of reassuring to be able to see the fluid flowing and confirm the machine is functioning properly, but its not the right kind of hose for the job. Just wanted to make sure it didn't happen to you or anyone else.

 

Sourced mine from ECS Tuning. Schwaben brand. But may be the same as Motive.
Been using it for 5 years. No issues yet. Used it on XJR, A8, and 335. A8 and 335 twice after ABS controller issues. So maybe five times.

 

I have never heard of bleeding the other way and I don't fancy it.

 

My apologies Meirion1; I was borrowing the bleed kit in question from a friend who told me that it used a pump at the caliper? I have misunderstood his explanation; It does use a pump at the caliper (not at the reservoir), but not to create air pressure to push, rather it creates a vacuum to draw the fluid out when the nipple is loosened. Now when I think about this, it should have been obvious to me!
So, you are right not to have heard of it or to fancy it!

 

I've added a line to your original post. We have many members who read the first post in a thread and ignore any replies before posting their own.

Graham

 

Mity Vac sounds like the tool you described, i have used them for years.
To flush the brake, & clutch fluid in motorcycles, & cars .
But when i tried to use it on the Jaguar it failed to work like always.
For some reason you had to pimp the pedal.
Draw the old brake fluid from the master, then refill it with fresh fluid to start, however you flush.
The old hose on the bleeder, then into a bottle with the old brake fluid, from the master was how i changed mine.
The bleeder is left open, the other end in the fluid keeps you from drawing air back into the system.
Then just pump it through till clean fluid is pumped out
I also have the syringe type tool, that pushes the fluid from the bleeder up to the master cylinder.
I like the Mity Vac better, but the old hose in the fluid trick, has ALWAYS worked for me.
Its the cheapest way as well, i hope this helps you and others.

 

I used a pressure fill process at the reservoir.

A container with the correct brake fluid is attached to the reservoir and pressurized so no air between the reservoir and the fluid in the pressurized container.

Then release each brake caliper nipple in the correct sequence and watch for clean fluid to be expelled.

Worked like a charm.

 

Bet it does, how much does it cost to purchase such a unit?
They have been around for a very long time, but were always out of my price range.

 

The Motive Products power bleeder mentioned previously is approx. $70. It's basically a garden sprayer with a pressure gauge on it. I bought this for a Corvette brake project, just need to get the correct adapter for the Jag master cylinder reservoir. They sell adapters for most vehicles if you go to their web site.
Just wanted to mention, the Jag brake system is pretty bog standard ABS, and aside from a minor issue bleeding the rear calipers when rebuilt, shouldn't cause any issues to flush or bleed.

 

I cannot remember what I paid but not a lot. The issue was that the adapter for my XJR just would not "adapt" so I bought another OEM Jaguar cap and modified it.

All in all less than $60.

 

Will have to buy one, looks like they are affordable now.

 

ECS Tuning has the 3 liter Schwaben pressure flush tool (garden sprayer) for 54.95 and free shipping.
The hose is not affected by DOT4 fluid.

 

Does the lid fit our Jaguars master cylinder?

If so thats a good price.

 

It fits all three European cars we have. Does not the fit the Japanese or US vehicles.
It may be like a lot of EU Auto products, Volkswagen, BMW, LR all buy brake fluid reservoirs from the same supplier.

 

Just ordered one from Turner Motorsport for that price, plus tax & shipping.