Griot's Garage One Man Brake Fluid Extractor

Griot's Garage One Man Brake Fluid Extractor DETAILS

CW EVALUATION

Fresh fluid made easy

IF YOU'RE LIKE US, YOU ABHOR BRAKE fluid-and any mechanicing related to it. After all, brake fluid is vile stuff, ruinous to clothing, paint and such. Best to avoid it whenever possible.

Unless you own a Griot's Garage One Man Brake Fluid Extractor, that is. The lightweight, cylindrically shaped unit is a step up from cheesy, hand-held pumps, yet not so exotic as to require an air tank or compressor.

The Taiwanese-made product holds more than a gallon of fluid. Attached to the unit is a 5-foot-long plastic bleeder hose, at the midpoint of which is a valve that controls the flow of fluid. Pumping the central T-handle (a folding, base-mounted post offers a sturdy foothold) with the valve closed creates a vacuum. Open the valve and fluid streams through the caliper bleeder, out the line and into the reservoir. To release the vacuum, press the button atop the unit.

Griot’s recommends dabbing grease at the base of the bleeder to eliminate the chance of air being pulled past the threads and into the line, which would falsely indicate air in the system. Another trick: After re-tightening the bleeder, slowly peel the fitting off the nipple before releasing the vacuum. Any remaining fluid will be siphoned into the reservoir. No muss, no fuss.

To empty the extractor, open the spout near the handle and dump out the contents. What to do with the old fluid? Most auto-parts stores will dispose of it, as with motor oil.

Out with the old, in with the new. It couldn’t be easier. Fun, even. □

DETAILS

Griot's Garage P.O. Box 110609 Tacoma, WA 98411 800/345-5789 www.griotsgarage.com Price..........$70

Ups

No more brake bleeding Master-cylinder refill bottle included

owns

1-gallon reservoir overkill for bikes

Must account for time spent in garage not bleeding brakes