fast Fulvia brake bleeding

[Bainesy]

Just thought I'd share how I managed to bleed by Fulvia S3 brakes on my own.

Container lid of close diameter, jubilee clip, some elec. tape around the reservoir filler thread create tighter seal.  drilled a tight hole in cap and fitted cycle tubeless Presta valve (avail in any local bike shop for a few quid). Turned compressor down to 9-10 psi, and away you go!

Took twenty minutes round all the nipples in order (front top both sides, front bottom both sides, then rear) twice and fluid clear as a bell.

[lancialulu]

9psi seems a bit high. danger of damaging the plastic reservoir (yours looks non standard btw). How do you top up fluid as you go along???

[Bainesy]

9psi is fine, no leaks or problems.  Ive upgraded the brakes, its a Beta master...

[Bainesy]

PS yes top up as you go...I used syringe through valve.

[davidwheeler]

I still reckon a vacuum bleeder is best!   I have used this one for years.  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Brake-Clutch-Bleeder-Vacuum-Type-1ltr-VS020/321925076016?epid=12031170110&hash=item4af43ad430:g:0ZUAAOSwsFpWTdzU&frcectupt=true

[Bainesy]

I have a Vac bleeder too, but it was not as effective in my experience.  I am a Licensed Aircraft Engineer and over the last 41 years worked everything from Spitfires, Harriers, Tornadoes to B747s and we bleed brakes using pressure...it's much more effective at removing air than a partial vacuum, but thats just my view. 

PS The 10 psi will not affect the reservoir it is likely to leak around the jubilee clip long before affecting the reservoir.  Just wanted to share as its cheap and very effective.  all the best Keven

[simonandjuliet]

I used a variation of Tim's method with the rubber pipe held on by friction alone - compressor turned to 1-2 psi and then the pipe doesn't push off

[Bainesy]

I like that Simon!  Keven

[chriswgawne]

When bleeding brakes I also find using pressure up to 10psi much more effective than a partial vacuum type which to be honest, I could never get along with.
For Fulvias with original master cylinder & reservoir I used to use a Gunson Eezibleed system which has its own fluid reservoir for topping up as you go but this was prone to air/fluid leaks around the top of the master cylinder reservoir.
Now I use a home made modified version of the Gunson as in the photo below. The thread in the brass nut bites effectively on the Lancia reservoir and then is supported by the nylon strap and clamp. I use a partially deflated spare wheel + tyre as the source of compressed air.
This gives no problems whatsoever.
Just off to flush and bleed the brakes/ clutch on Jacky's B24S Convertible which is an easy one man job as all Aurelia fluid reservoirs have their own pressurising system.
Chris

[Bainesy]

Thanks Chris, I like it....I can feel a tooling project coming on!  Keven

[Jay]

Not forgetting the Flaminia has a pump built into the reservoir and uses the pressure method, although the rear inboard calipers are a right pain to bleed.