Can anyone recommend a specific vacuum brake bleeding kit?

[Texas Bob]

Not for my Taco, but I think I need a vacuum brake bleeding kit. Harbor Freight has one for about $65 and Amazon has them from under $20 to Sky's The Limit. I have heard comments on other forums that they are junk but also that they are lifesavers. Can anyone recommend a specific brand or item?

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[Bravada]

I've used Motive Products in the past with success. That said it's been 15 years since I've needed it, so compatibility with our Tacoma is unknown.

 

[JoeMongo]

Uhhmmnnn . . . why do you need a kit?

 

[Texas Bob]

Uhhmmnnn . . . why do you need a kit?

As noted, it's for my motorcycle, not Tacoma. The rear brake will not develop enough pressure to even pump the old fluid out. I suspect there is a lot of air somewhere, probably in all the extra ABS plumbing. So I think I need to suction the fluid out from the bleeder screw while keeping the master cylinder filled, until I finally, hopefully, pull out the air bubbles and get it repressurized. But I'm no expert, maybe the root cause is something else. BTW I did check on a Ninja 1000 forum but found nothing useful.

 

[JoeMongo]

I've owned motorcycles of various makes and sizes for 45 years. I do all maintenance on all my bikes and my wife's Vespa as well. I flush and bleed all brakes annually.

I've never used anything other than the master cylinder to flush and bleed any brakes, but you obviously have a major failure that you need to find and solve before flushing and bleeding.

You should take a look at a web forum that has more mechanical support than the Ninja one you referred to. Try Adventure Rider, and do a forum search for brake leaks, brake vacuum bleeders, or other searches. You'll get hundreds of hits and plenty of information.
j.

 

[Texas Bob]

Thanks for the tips, j. I got a Mityvac vacuum and pressure bleeder: decided to take a chance with a name brand for more money. I was able to quickly suction out some fluid (and air) from the rear brake bleeder that way and then pump a lot more new fluid through the master cylinder with the pedal. The pedal now feels normal though still a little squishier than I remember from previous bikes. BTW last year when I had the bike at my local mechanic (not dealer) for major service, I complained about how often I was having to bleed the front brakes. He said something along the lines of "these new bikes with ABS are just that way, you just have to bleed them frequently". Or maybe he said 'Kawasakis' rather than all bikes. Anyway I will just try to stay on top of bleeding both front and rear at the first sign of more sponginess.

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