Review on Efficient Brake Bleeding Combo Kit: Actron CP7835 Vacuum Pump for One Person Brake Bleeding by Tim Harrington

Much easier to use than a good old two person brake system, no doubt bleed/change fluid. The premise is that a person can pump brake fluid and bladders out of the system with a manual handheld vacuum pump, rather than pushing them out by pedaling in the car. This is accomplished, but there are some other frustrations to contend with. First, the system relies on a hermetic seal around the bleed screw threads, between the bleed screw and the bleed adapter set, between the bleed adapter and the hose, from hose to canister, canister cap to canister, canister cap to pump hose, the pump hose to the pump, and of course the pump itself cannot expire. An issue I read about before buying this kit is definitely one I should complain about. The two main vacuum leaks are around the bleed screw threads, inside the bleed screw adapter, and at the canister lid gasket. The first problem can be solved with a lubricant/sealant that will not dilute with brake fluid and become useless. However, the sealant contained in the kit can be washed off quickly and easily with brake fluid and does not stick to any surface that has already been wetted with brake fluid. Plus, you get a hose so tiny you only have to do one brake bleed operation with it. The second issue is that bleed screw adapters are not the same size inside and out. The hole appears to be the right size, but it's just a lip. Once you snap it in there, the inside is a lot wider than the bleed screw, so make sure you grease this pup well and use a smaller adapter than you think you'll need. Believe me, you will thank me for that. The biggest issue with the kit itself is that the canister lid and canister seal are all hard plastic. You have to fill the groove completely with grease to even think of a seal, and that grease becomes useless after a few full canisters because it washes out when you dump the old fluid. A rubber gasket (or similar soft material) and an improved sealant ensure that the container holds the vacuum better and gets the job done much faster. Maybe these problems are solved in the Mitivak kit, I don't know. I was able to do a full brake fluid flush on all 4 Subaru wheels with this Actron kit but it took a long time and most of the time it was just bubbles being sucked through the hose because air was coming out of the bleed screw or there wasn't enough vacuum for more create a trickle of liquid flow because the canister lid seal was leaking. It was a little frustrating to use but only worked with one person as advertised and the brakes work great after use. It just takes a little skill and ingenuity. Much luck!