JBugs Video Series

1971 VW Super Beetle - Quick Brake Bleeders Installation:

Brakes

Video Overview:

Our VW Brakes are almost completely installed on our 1971 Super Beetle. We’ll finish up by installing a new brake fluid reservoir and feed lines so we can get fluid into the system. Then we’ll install some quick bleeder valves on our disc brake calipers and bleed the brakes. Follow along with our tech as he shows how quick and easy bleeding your VW brake system can be.

Brake fluid reservoir installation: 0:56
Brake fluid feed line installation: 1:06
Important note: 2:16
Quick bleeder valve installation: 2:35
Brake bleeding: 3:00


Video Tips:

Tools used in this video:

Phillips Screwdriver
Side Cutters
1/4" Drive Ratchet
1/4" Drive 7mm Socket
8mm Wrench
Brake Fluid Catch Reservoir & Hose

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Chemicals used:

DOT4 Brake Fluid
Brake Cleaner

Video Transcript:

Hi Sam here with JBugs.com
In our last few videos, we installed the body of our 1971 Super Beetle back onto its chassis, 
installed the steering and suspension components, and finished installing all the brake hoses and brake lines. Now, we can finish up the brake system by installing the brake fluid reservoir, and the feed lines so then we can get the brakes bled.
We start in the trunk and install the brake fluid reservoir with the tab in the back, inserting into the pedestal. 
A screw holds it in place at the front tab, but we'll pull the reservoir out in a moment. Once it is in place, we can install the feed lines into the body, down towards the master cylinder. Once the lines are set in place, we mock-up and cut the feed hoses to length. 
We pull off the reservoir so we can install the hoses onto the outlets, we set the reservoir back in place, 
install the hoses to the lines, then re-secure the reservoir to the body. Underneath the front of the car, at the master cylinder, we mock-up and cut the brake feed hoses to length and then hook up the feed lines to the inlets on the master cylinder. The access isn't easy so it takes some effort and once the hoses are in place, we secure the feed lines to the front firewall tabs.
Then, we check that the steering column doesn't hit the lines while it's turning. 
Now, we can pour some fresh DOT4 brake fluid into our brake fluid reservoir, and with it topped off, we check the hoses and feed lines for any leaks. 
Then, we're going to head over to the right rear wheel, the furthest point from the master cylinder, to start bleeding the brakes there. 
We'll specifically note, there is no need to bench bleed the master cylinder. From play cars to daily drivers, race cars to pan off restorations, we've installed more brake systems than we can count and we've never done it.
With that said, we'll get to installing something that I will personally be installing on every brake system I ever bleed from here on out. 
A quick bleeder valve. EMPI offers these quick bleeders of different sizes for all their disc brake conversion kits. We're installing 8-millimeter valves at the rear, and 7-millimeter valves at the front to correspond without calipers. 
The installation is as simple as unthreading the standard bleeder valve and threading in the quick bleeder valve. 
The quick bleeders have a one-way check valve that allows air and brake fluid to come out but not go back in.
So now, all we have to do after installing the valve is open it, slip on a piece of tubing and a reservoir to catch the fluid, then pump the brake pedal. 
Once there is a constant flow of clean brake fluid, close the valve and go to the next caliper or wheel cylinder. We top off the brake fluid reservoir and repeat the process at the left rear side. Here we'll note that because the catch can is sitting below the caliper, the air bubbles in the hose are rising to the top. 
But, because there is a one-way check valve in the bleeder, the air can't enter back into the caliper. 
With a clear stream of brake fluid exiting here, we tighten the valve, top off the fluid, and we can move to the front right wheel.
Our front calipers have two bleeder valves since they are universal and fit the left or right side. 
We only need to bleed the valve on the top as any air in the caliper will rise to the top. So, we pull the top valve, install a quick bleeder valve, open it half a turn, and install our catch can. 
The brake pedal is pumped again and once we don't see any air leaving the valve, we can close the valve, fill up the reservoir again and move to the front left side to finish. 
With the front left side bled, we can top off the fluid one last time and the job is done.
I can say that I've never found an easier way to bleed the brakes. 
The brake system in our Super Beetle was completely empty and it took less than ten minutes to bleed. Up next, we'll get to work on some of the interior components of our Beetle.
In the meantime, click the like button below, subscribe to our channel if you haven't already, and when you need parts or accessories for your vintage Volkswagen, make sure to stop by JBugs.com