Modern Vespa

I've been putting off brake fluid changes as long as possible though with 5 year-old bikes it's probably time for the front, rear, and tilt-locks on both our scoots to be serviced--read multiple threads here about reverse filling from the caliper up to the reservoir, and overall I admit I'm not jazzed about the seemingly painstaking process to follow.

And, yes, I have read multiple times that reverse filling from the caliper is faster/better because air wants to go UP, I'm still not 100% certain I understand why the MP3 system brakes are proving so problematic, especially given that even the service manual describes a top-down (from the reservoir) approach that most people are used to/expect. I know many have bemoaned the threads around the bleed nippes as being problematic from the start, but I've also scanned through more than 40 or so "Help, I can't bleed my brakes" threads here and given my luck (as Ponydrvr will attest), I'm just bound to have to start the 41st once I begin.

However, a buddy of mine has his BMW outfitted with SpeedBleeders and he claims brake bleeding is a one-man, 5-minute job with them installed. There seems to be a lot of sizes available, perhaps one (or more) of them would fit the MP3 front/rear calipers? Perhaps I'm being naive and just don't understand all the issues...but wouldn't the one-way check valve design allow a simple bleed from the reservoir, maybe even with both front brakes bleeding at the same time? Any thoughts/cautions/suggestions?

the biggest thing is the bleed nipples leak air into the system when you open them up to let the fluid out. I find using some non-hardening gasket sealant just around the couple of exposed threads helps tremendously in keeping air out of the system.

Thanks OAD...is that a permanent gasket sealant or something you do each time you bleed? Did you apply it by removing the bleed valve entirely or just shoot the sealant in when you first cracked the bleed nipple open?

do not remove the bleed valve. just put a bit around the exposed threads

this is what I have been using

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_1129391_-1?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=1129391&cid=sc_googlepla&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CJ3NnYvyyrgCFSZp7AodgCoAAg#.UfE6-6ywTZ8


I just leave it on after I am finished.

Roger all...still curious if a SpeedBleeder might not be available to hasten the entire process...hmmmm....

They might work very well - why not try them and report back.

I think I will try some--they're only $7 bucks a head and I was going to get some for my other bikes already, but I wasn't sure if there was something specific in the MP3's mechanical/hydraulic design that would make this approach problematic. I was also hoping someone might know offhand what size bleeder valve was already on the MP3 calipers...otherwise, I'll have to wait until after the riding season to pull the front and rear ones out and measure them before running a full bleed anyway.

Put a few wraps of Teflon tape on the threads.

That is exactly what I have done and it worked well.

I can never get that stuff to work for me. Even on pipe it leaks for me.

It's all in how you hold your mouth when you apply it!

I have tried with my tongue out the left side, right side, sticking straight out, left hand behind my back , right foot in the air, sitting down and standing up. I don't care for the crappy white telfon tape. Prefer sealant types'