Russell Speedbleeders

Russell Speedbleeders

Brake bleeding made easy

BRAKES ARE A BITCH. BLEEDING them, that is. Which explains why air filters and engine oil and spark-plugs get changed like clockwork, but brake fluid sits. And sits. “My, that’s a delightful shade of brown...”

In a sense, then, Russell Speedbleeders have all but revolutionized brake bleeding.

Nifty spring-loaded check valves eliminate back flow, so the bleeders can remain open while you pump the hand lever or foot pedal. This is especially helpful when exorcising air from a left-side caliper on a twin-disc front end. For individuals with short arms,

that task might otherwise require a second person.

All is not perfect, however. Master cylinders must still be topped off by hand, and any parts that come in contact with brake fluid must be cleaned quickly. What’s more, there’s no getting

around squeezing the lever or pumping the pedal a gazillion times. Unless you have access to a vacuum pump, homemade or otherwise.

The zinc-plated (or brassfor domestic applications) fittings

are available from motorcycle dealers in various sizes to fit practically everything from vintage dirtbikes to modern Superbikes. Thread lock is standardissue, as are snug-fitting dust caps.

Our only question: Why aren’t Speedbleeders standard equipment on all motorcycles?

DETAILS

Russell Performance Products 225 Fentress Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 904/253-8980 Price........................$13 per pair

Ups Brake-bleeding time cut in half Inexpensive Downs Should be sold in packs of three Promotes depressing, “Why didn’t I think of this?” attitude