nickcarguy

While bleeding brakes this weekend with my several years old Motive Power Bleeder, one of the clear plastic hoses burst - spraying a liter of brake fluid everywhere. And I mean, everywhere. Fenders, hood, windshield, headlights. A total goat f-ck mess. I advised Motive Products, who immediately responded that they recommend replacing all hoses on the bleeder every 3 -4 years. As brake fluid is very caustic and attacks the plastic hose . Caustic for sure, as it immediately attacked my headlight lenses turning them cloudy white.
I don't recall ever reading that these hoses needed to be regularly replaced. So passing this on to all as a heads up.

clancy

Thanks for the heads up.

georgeb944

This is exactly why I use the Motive Power Bleeder empty, no fluid to leak or spray anywhere. BTW, works perfectly that way.

nickcarguy

T\Using it empty - that is actually a great idea. As long as you keep an eye on fluid level at the master cylinder you should be fine. Motive Products must know this is an issue. They sell replacement hose and clamps on their website.

georgeb944

If everybody used it empty, they would be denied another source of revenue.

nickcarguy

Good point George. The hose split in two locations. And the failure runs lengthwise.. its almost invisible. If you own one of these bleeders and its more than 3 years old, Motive Products suggests replacing the hose. Good luck!

rocketman4321

And given that you only need to bleed brakes every 2 years... Unless of course, you need to rebuild a caliper or replace a line.