by Joshua Thomas
A brake bleeder kit is a specialized tool for removing air bubbles in the vehicle's braking system. These air pockets and bubbles reduce hydraulic pressure and hence making brakes less effective.
Bleeding brakes can also help deal with issues like soft or spongy brakes. That said, to make the job easier and ensure maximum effectiveness, you need to invest in the best brake bleeder kit.
With the brake bleeder kit, you do not have to spend hundreds of dollars paying a mechanic to bleed your brakes as you can do it yourself. Also, it helps keep your braking system in great shape for maximum safety.
To help you pick an ideal one, we review some of the top models in the market and give you a buying guide.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Mityvac MV8000 (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. ABN 7300 (Best Budget) |
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 | 3. Mityvac MV6835 (Best Premium) |
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 | 4. Phoenix Systems 2104-B V-5 (Best Universal) |
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 | 5. HFS 11896 (Easiest to Use) |
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 | 6. HTOMT 2 in 1 (Best Portable) |
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 | 7. Capri Tools CP21029 (Quiet Operation) |
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The Mityvac MV8000 is our best overall model as it is versatile, easy to use and well-built.
Besides brake bleeding, you can use the kit for tune-ups, vacuum testing and even fluid transfer, making it quite handy to have in the garage or workshop.
This model comes with a 2-inch diameter gauge that provides precise pressure readings at all times. Also, it is well-built with durable materials for long service life.
Additionally, it is for one-person bleeding to ensure you do not need someone to help you with the jobs. For the inexperienced users, it comes with clear direction on what to do.
Motorists also love that the kit comes with the bleeding accessories you need for immediate use. All the fittings/attachments are machined precisely and come in standard sizes, so they fit perfectly into most vehicles.
The kit does not come with a carry case, and the extremely sensitive pressure takes some getting used to. However, you can always buy a case separately, and as you use the bleeder more, you should master the gauge.
Pros
Cons
The ABN 7300is more affordable than many other options on our brake bleeder kit review despite the excellent build quality and performance. Therefore, it will be a perfect choice for motorists looking for a more budget-friendly model.
This model has some high-quality components that include solid brass cylinder and anodized steel handle frame.
Moreover, this model comes with many attachments suitable for all vehicle types and models. Besides bleeding the brakes, this is a versatile kit that you can use for other things like testing vacuum systems.
Overall, this is an easy kit to use as it comes with easy to follow directions. Additionally, it has a cushioned pistol grip handle for more comfortable use.
The only caveat is that this model has a relatively short hose. Although a longer one could have been better, 2 feet is still acceptable for its price.
Pros
Cons
The Mityvac MV6835 is a premium-quality brake bleeder kit designed to offer exceptional service and performance. Also, it is a one-person kit that eliminates the need for extra help.
With a massive 1.9-quart reservoir capacity, it has no problem working with large vehicles like an RV. Better still, this kit bleeds much faster with a 2-quart per minute evacuation speed.
There is also an automatic refill kit to ensure the master cylinder never runs out of new fluid for a continuous non-interrupted operation.
Moreover, the hose is long at 6 feet to provide more flexibility when bleeding the brake system in small vehicles that usually have less space. You can also use the kit to bleed almost any brake system type as it has a quick disconnect coupler for different accessories.
Overall, this is a relatively pricier kit compared to others on our list, and it can be a little complicated for beginners. However, the price reflects its quality and versatility, and with a bit of patience, most users can figure it out.
Pros
Cons
The Phoenix Systems 2104-B V-5is a universal brake bleeder kit that can work for any vehicle type and model. What's more, it is compatible with Dot 3, 4 and 5.1 brake fluids, which is what most vehicles use.
With the patented reverse bleeding design, the kit removes more trapped air than most others out there. Additionally, it can bleed or refill even completely dry brake or clutch systems.
This kit is for single person use, and you should be able to successfully bleed a clutch or brake system in only a few minutes without needing any extra help.
There is no pressure gauge on this kit, and it is also not ideal for heavy bleeding. However, for a small and inexpensive manual bleeder, these are issues you can overlook.
Pros
Cons
The best brake bleeder kit should give you a comfortable time using it like the HFS 11896. This HFS kit has a basic design that is easy to figure out for anyone and includes a pressure gauge for easy monitoring to make it simple to use.
Another selling point for this kit is that it is a versatile 2-in-1 model ideal for bleeding and vacuum pump testing. Additionally, you can use it for all vehicle types or models.
The HFS kit comes with all accessories and fittings required for you to quickly and easily clear your brake or clutch system. Better still, it has a comfortable cushioned handle to make sure you can hold it with no hand fatigue.
The overall build quality could have been better to make this a more durable kit, but it is still okay for its small price. Also, the smaller reservoir should be adequate when dealing with cars and other small vehicles.
Pros
Cons
For those looking for a pressure brake bleeder they can use on the go,
Furthermore, the portable kit includes various adapters for use on different vehicles. Also, there are 4 tubes for varying applications, making this quite a versatile brake bleeder kit.
Overall, the hand pump is relatively easy to use, and only one person is required, making it perfect for DIY users. Better still, there is a pressure gauge with a 0 to 30 inches Hg pressure range and is highly sensitive to provide accurate readings.
The tubing on this brake bleeder does not seem to hold very tight, but you can always use a zip tie to make it secure enough.
Pros
Cons
While many brake bleeder kits can be annoyingly loud, the Capri Tools CP21029 offers a super quiet operation as it comes with an integrated silencer.
Besides quiet operation, it is an effective model with a built-in Venturi system that produces enough vacuum power for bleeding or flushing brake and clutch systems.
When you buy this kit, you get a 40-inch silicone tube that should be long and sturdy enough for most vehicles. Additionally, the universal rubber adapter makes this a more versatile kit as you can use it on most standard and ABS brake systems.
Using this kit is more straightforward as it is simple to set up and comes with clear directions on what to do. Better still, it is a one-person operation kit that eliminates the need or extra help when bleeding your brakes.
It can be hard to tell when you remove all the air since the suction creates bubbles, but you should figure it out once you get used to the kit. Also, the drain cap should loosen a bit with more use.
Pros
Cons
The vacuum is a crucial element in a brake bleeder kit system. The brake bleeder creates a vacuum to generate the suction power that bleeds your braking system and removes air bubbles.
Hence, when shopping for a bleeder kit, you need to make sure that what you choose can effectively create a powerful vacuum for quick and good results.
Additionally, most top-rated brake bleeder kits like the Mityvac MV8000 come with a vacuum gauge. This gauge shows you the pressure inside the brake system to prevent under or over bleeding the brakes.
The pressure inside the braking system is measured in inches per mercury. Here the typical pressure range you can expect to see in the vacuum gauge is 0 to 30-inch Hg.
As its name suggests, the pump pistol is the part of the brake bleeder kit that does the pumping. It has an air reservoir, which creates a vacuum that "sucks" out fluid from the braking system, allowing you to bleed it.
Besides being effective at sucking out the brake fluid, it is vital to ensure the pump pistol has a comfortable grip to ensure comfortable operation.
The reservoir cap is the part that holds the brake oil when you are bleeding the system. It should be large enough to accommodate the amount of brake fluid inside your brake system.
Remember, brake systems are not all the same. Hence, some contain more fluids than others, depending on the type of vehicle you have.
Therefore, we recommend choosing a brake bleeder kit with a reservoir cup big enough to accommodate your brake fluid. A 16-ounce reservoir like what you get on the Allstar ALL11017 should be good enough for most vehicles.
Accessories like hoses and attachments are vital when using a brake bleeder kit as they are what you use to connect it to the vehicle.
Therefore, make sure the kit comes with all the necessary accessories. Additionally, keep in mind that a long hose provides more flexibility when trying to bleed your brake system, but it requires more pressure to bleed the system.
A: While it is a good idea to bleed your brakes now and then, there are some situations when it is necessary. These situations include when you feel the brakes are too soft, spongy or need pumping.
A: Most automotive experts recommend that you bleed the brakes at least once every 2 to 3 years. However, you can bleed the brakes more often than this if you encounter issues like spongy or soft brakes.
A: The three main brake bleeding types are vacuum, pressure and the pump and hold. What you can use on your vehicle depends mostly on your preferences as you can use the three on almost all vehicle types.
Beduan 16pcs Brake Bleeder Kit Hand Held Vacuum Pump Tester with Adapters for Automotive - Walmart Link
HTOMT 2 in 1 Brake Bleeder Kit Hand held Vacuum Pump Test Set for Automotive with - Walmart Link
ARES 70921-2-Liter Manual Brake Fluid Pressure Bleeder - Makes Brake Fluid Changes Quick - Walmart Link
Thorstone Brake Bleeder Kit with Hand Held Vacuum Pump Tester | 16pcs Brake Clutch - Walmart Link
Copap 16PCS Brake Bleeder & Vacuum Pump Test Tuner Tool Kit Hand Held Vacuum Gauge for - Walmart Link
Abilly Vacuum Brake Bleeder Air Brake Bleeder Kit with 2L Brake Fluid Extractor and 1L - Walmart Link
OEMTOOLS 25036 Bleed-O-Matic One-Man Brake Bleeder Kit, Bleed Your Brakes on Your Own, - Walmart Link
The Phoenix Systems 2104-B V-5 - Walmart Link
the HTOMT 2 in 1 - Walmart Link
the Capri Tools CP21029 - Walmart Link
Beduan 16pcs Brake Bleeder Kit Hand Held Vacuum Pump Tester with Adapters for Automotive - eBay Link
HTOMT 2 in 1 Brake Bleeder Kit Hand held Vacuum Pump Test Set for Automotive with - eBay Link
ARES 70921-2-Liter Manual Brake Fluid Pressure Bleeder - Makes Brake Fluid Changes Quick - eBay Link
Thorstone Brake Bleeder Kit with Hand Held Vacuum Pump Tester | 16pcs Brake Clutch - eBay Link
Copap 16PCS Brake Bleeder & Vacuum Pump Test Tuner Tool Kit Hand Held Vacuum Gauge for - eBay Link
Abilly Vacuum Brake Bleeder Air Brake Bleeder Kit with 2L Brake Fluid Extractor and 1L - eBay Link
OEMTOOLS 25036 Bleed-O-Matic One-Man Brake Bleeder Kit, Bleed Your Brakes on Your Own, - eBay Link
The Phoenix Systems 2104-B V-5 - eBay Link
the HTOMT 2 in 1 - eBay Link
the Capri Tools CP21029 - eBay Link
A brake bleeder kit is a must-have when it comes to keeping your brake system in good shape for maximum safety on the road.
If you are on the lookout for the best brake bleeder kit, the Mityvac MV8000 is our top overall recommendation as it is versatile, easy to use, and well-built for long service life.
But, for those that prefer something budget-friendly, the ABN 7300 is a more appropriate choice.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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