DIY Tool to Pressure Bleed Brake Lines

[TC_Z]

We have a 2007 Winn Voyage 38J on a Workhorse W24 frame. We have bad rust on my brake lines in the rear. One got a pin hole leak so I replaced all the brake lines from about 3 ft back from ABS to the caliper hoses. 

The service manual says prefers a pressure bleed at 20-30 psi so I searched for available tools and realized I could make my own.  Below are photos of items for a homemade pressure bleed tool:

- rubber stoppers
- barbed nipple
- hose
- bungee cord

I discovered that apparently the front and rear fluid reservoirs are connected somehow.  Initially I was putting pressure just on the left reservoir but I could hear air escaping from the right reservoir cap.  So I got another stopper.

I connected hose to air gun set to ~20 psi, worked great.  On rear lines I initially got bubbles, then solid fluid, continued to flush.  Used about a gallon of brake fluid.  I flushed the front lines as well. Always keep fluid in the reservoirs.

I used double flare tool (auto store loaned me the tool) and after I practiced several times became pleased with my results.  It requires a lot of force to form a steel line flare.  See photo of my unions.

Thanks to Kevin Caudill for his informative YouTube and valuable help.

Materials
Pressure Prep
Pressure Bleeding
Unions

[RLS7201]

I was curious how you was going to keep the reservoir from popping off the master cylinder. Good thinking outside the box!

Richard

[MountainAir05]

I also use the vacuum system bleed since the early 70s.

[rgatijnet1]

Just be sure to not let the fluid reservoir to get dry or you will get air in to the ABS module, which is a little difficult to bleed.
The rest of the brake lines can be either pressure bled or vacuum bled for the same results. My WH takes about 3 quarts for a complete flush every two years.