Motive Power Bleeder Help Needed:

[rapa123]

~~Getting ready to power bleed with the Motive bleeder. My boat trailer is tandem axle. Upon reading the instructions http://motiveproducts.3dcartstores.c...ons_ep_50.html
number 9 and 10 has me a little puzzled. If you could explain in better terms and/or give me your steps using the power bleeder I would sincerely appreciate it.
#9 stating; If fluid remains in the Power Bleeder tank when through: tip the tank away from fluid pick-up tube and open bleed valve closest to the master cylinder. Allow air to flow into fluid reservoir until fluid level falls just to the maximum fill level on your reservoir. Close the bleed valve and tighten to specified torque.
Question 1: "If fluid remains in the Power Bleeder tank when through tip the tank away from fluid pick-up tube and open bleed valve closest to the master cylinder" Correct me if I'm wrong, does this mean the first caliper I started with? If the bleeder tank is still under pressure wouldn't this push fluid through the bleeder as well as introducing air into the line?
Question 2: "Allow air to flow into fluid reservoir until fluid level falls just to the maximum fill level on your reservoir. Impossible, can't see through the actuator. Now what?
Question 3: "Close the bleed valve and tighten to specified torque." Cant find any torque specs anywhere. Do you guys torque these or just snug them up?
#10 stating. "When complete, release pressure by slowly loosening pump cap. Remove the cap from fluid reservoir, taking care to avoid spilling any fluid that remains in the tube."
All pressure will probably be gone by now......

 

[bruceb58]

It really is not that complicated. Put brake fluid in the bleeder. Pump it up. Bleed the brakes. Open the top of the Motive bleeder to allow pressure to escape. You are now done.

 

[rapa123]

Hi Bruce, just got done bleeding the brakes ignoring the complication of the directions. I had a lot of air in the lines and "did not" find any leaks in the entire system. The brakes have very little wear on them leading me to believe that the trailer wasn't bled in the first place from the factory. I held back the actuator to checked the brakes......wheels all locked up nicely by hand. The real test will be once I get on the road. I sincerely appreciate all your help. Thanks again, Ray

 

[kjsAZ]

good that you have functional brakes now... It's a problem I found installing brakes on several trailers. When you bleed them the first time the brake lines sometimes trap some air even if you bleed them good. After a short while of use the air makes it to the cylinders and you have to bleed them again. I usually tow trailers with newly installed brakes a few times around the block and repeat bleeding.
You will see a huge difference to the better with functional brakes!

 

[rapa123]

Thanks for the tip........ As easy as it was, this will be part of my yearly spring maintenance.

 

[bruceb58]

I always do a sanity check that I can at least jack up the tire, spin it, and actuate the master cylinder and get the wheel to immediately stop at the beginning of a season. Granted that's not indicative that it can stop a load but it gives you a quick check that things are actually moving the way they are supposed to.