Mityvac Suction Device Worth It?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: U.S.A.
Mityvac Suction Device Worth It?
I am looking to buy a tool to help me make the job of bleeding brakes a more enjoyable and quicker experience. I have been looking at one of those Mityvac pistol type suction devices. I also have seen those devices that push brake fluid through the lines via pressurization. It seems the Mityvac is able to be used for my things than just bleeding brakes. This appeals to me as I really would like my tools to be as multi-task friendly as I can get them. Has anyone used one of the Mityvacs for bleeding brakes? Are they worth the money and which one is worth getting?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
Mityvac Suction Device Worth It?
Yes, they're worth it, but you have to make sure you get one WITH the vacuum gauge on it. The one that's sold as a "brake bleeding kit" only does NOT have the gauge, but the normal $30-40 kit has all the bleeding stuff with it. The $50 metal one is nice - I accidentally melted my plastic handle by leaving it on the engine during a test-drive. 
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
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From: Iowa
Mityvac Suction Device Worth It?
I have one, and don't like it for brake jobs.
It pulls air bubbles around the bleed valve and you can never tell when you're got a truly air-less system.
(this was when I used it on my Volvos)
It is, however, useful as a vacuum gauge for timing advance, or other vacuum related aspects of shadetree mechanics.
The pressurized 'pushers' work much more reliably, if you ask me.
you just got to make sure you have a way to keep adding brake fluid.
The best (and cheapest) way to change brake fluid is to have your girlfriend step on the pedal while you top up and bleed.
BUT, I didn't like the Mityvac brake bleeding.. I even installed teflon tape around the bleed taps to seal the air out better, and still couldn't get a good indication.
and the brakes were left feeling spongy..
It pulls air bubbles around the bleed valve and you can never tell when you're got a truly air-less system.
(this was when I used it on my Volvos)
It is, however, useful as a vacuum gauge for timing advance, or other vacuum related aspects of shadetree mechanics.
The pressurized 'pushers' work much more reliably, if you ask me.
you just got to make sure you have a way to keep adding brake fluid.
The best (and cheapest) way to change brake fluid is to have your girlfriend step on the pedal while you top up and bleed.
BUT, I didn't like the Mityvac brake bleeding.. I even installed teflon tape around the bleed taps to seal the air out better, and still couldn't get a good indication.
and the brakes were left feeling spongy..
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 51
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From: Norwalk
Mityvac Suction Device Worth It?
Hi,
I also have the Mityvac and have used it in the past for bleeding brakes and I to was not happy (I usally use the soda bottle and hose method with excellant results)
The advantage is that the Mityvac can be used for numerous other things like checking vacuum servos and emptying power steering pumps etc.
I would also recommend one with a gauge, didn't know they also made them out of metal
I also have the Mityvac and have used it in the past for bleeding brakes and I to was not happy (I usally use the soda bottle and hose method with excellant results)
The advantage is that the Mityvac can be used for numerous other things like checking vacuum servos and emptying power steering pumps etc.
I would also recommend one with a gauge, didn't know they also made them out of metal
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Senior User
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From: U.S.A.
Mityvac Suction Device Worth It?
Thanks guys. I am reading about mixed emotions concerning these tools I am looking to buy a used one so for a bargain I guess it is worth it. I do think I am going to have get one of those pusher type pressurizers for the brakes. I just wish I could make one cheap from a garden spayer. Any hints how that might be done?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Iowa
Mityvac Suction Device Worth It?
my friend made one out of a brake reservoir cap from another car.
he fitted an AC compressor fitting in the cap.
he then turned down the regulator valve on his air compressor and hooked it up.
Then you just crack open the bleed valves on the brakes and wahlah.
BUT, you need to take the cap off to fill the reservoir.. but at least it's bubble free.
so just go to the junk yard, or parts store and buy a 2nd reservoir cap and fit some sort of air nozzle acceptor to it.
he fitted an AC compressor fitting in the cap.
he then turned down the regulator valve on his air compressor and hooked it up.
Then you just crack open the bleed valves on the brakes and wahlah.
BUT, you need to take the cap off to fill the reservoir.. but at least it's bubble free.
so just go to the junk yard, or parts store and buy a 2nd reservoir cap and fit some sort of air nozzle acceptor to it.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Mityvac Suction Device Worth It?
There are topics in the Garage and Workshop forum on this subject. We have all kinds of tool questions there. There are directions for making pressure bleeders also.
I use a Mity-Vac for bleeding my brakes. Mine has the gage. I have found that the problem with pulling air past the bleeder threads is a function of how much vacuum you apply. In other words the tool works well if you don't try to get in a hurry!
I use a Mity-Vac for bleeding my brakes. Mine has the gage. I have found that the problem with pulling air past the bleeder threads is a function of how much vacuum you apply. In other words the tool works well if you don't try to get in a hurry!
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: U.S.A.
Mityvac Suction Device Worth It?
Thanks for the ideas. I will head to the garage forum and check it out.
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