MXA TEAM TESTED: MOTION PRO MINI BRAKE BLEEDER

On Jan 28, 2014 Last updated Mar 23, 2014

WHAT IS IT? Motion Pro’s mini bleeder tool combines the wrench, bleeder valve, hose and hydraulic pressure valve into one convenient and compact tool.

WHAT’S IT COST? $26.99.

CONTACT? www.motionpro.com or (650) 594-9600.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out about the Motion Pro mini brake bleeder.

(1) Design. Motion Pro’s mini bleeder tool comes in three sizes: 8mm, 10mm and 11mm. The size you select depends on the hex head of your bike’s brake-caliper nipple (we don’t know what the 11mm is for, but Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis and KTMs have 8mm nipples and Kawasakis have a 10mm hex head). Inside the mini bleeder is a rubber seal that fits snugly around the nipple to prevent leakage of brake fluid. Additionally, there is an internal, one-way check valve that is pushed open by the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid. This pressure valve opens when the brake lever is pumped up and closes automatically when the brake-fluid pressure drops. To activate the mini bleeder, there is a floating, 12-point wrench handle that allows the user to crack the nipple open and closed from virtually any angle.

(2) Usage. To bleed your brakes, or to flush the hydraulic system of old fluid, follow these steps:
     (A) Remove the rubber cover from the caliper’s nipple and slip the mini bleeder onto the nipple’s hex head.
     (B) Have a friend pump the brake lever until the hydraulic pressure is built up. The lever must be held in during the bleeding process.
     (C) With the brake lever held in, turn the mini bleeder wrench to open the caliper’s nipple. Brake fluid will squirt down the hose into your catch tank. When the fluid stops squirting, close the nipple’s hex head and release the brake lever. Repeat the process until the brake has maximum hydraulic pressure. Be sure to add brake fluid to the master cylinder to maintain pressure at the hydraulic piston. It could take as many as 10 cycles to bleed a spongy brake.
     (D) To flush the system of all of its old brake fluid, put the mini bleeder tool on the caliper nipple and open the hex head, then pump the lever without closing the nipple. Stop pumping the lever when no more fluid comes out.

(3) Performance. Let’s be serious, the tools required to bleed brakes are little more than the appropriate-sized wrench, a piece of tubing, a rag and a friend. What Motion Pro’s mini bleeder does is combine the tools you need, save for the friend, into one handy piece. No searching around required. Just grab the mini bleeder from your toolbox, corral a friend and do the job in five minutes.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Since you are working with brake fluid, be sure to keep a rag handy to wipe any excess fluid off of the mini bleeder after the job is done.

This is not a must-have tool, but it is a nice-to-have tool.