I picked up a used one tonight, but none of the adapters that came it fit. Anybody using one?

 

Old thread, but I just used the power bleeder a couple days ago with great success. I used the universal adapter. Does anybody know if a 1st/2nd gen miata master cylinder cap is the same as an RX8?

 

Speedbleeders are another option, inexpensive, effective, simple.

 

I know I'm reviving an old thread but I got my $75 gift card for amazon.com and I'm looking at buying the Motive power bleeder. The reason I'm going this route rather than the speed bleeders is that my dad also has a sports car and would like to bleed his brakes when he feels necessary. I was wondering if anyone else has used this with our car and how well does it work?

 

I have one and I've used it with good success on the RX-8, Mazda 6, Miata, VW GTI VR6, Dodge Dakota (my cars over the years), Mini Cooper, Porsche 911 (friends cars). I strongly recommend picking up the Ford adapter (#1107) as it is a direct twist-on fit for the master cylinder reservoir for the RX-8 (and the 6). I have used the universal adapter on the Miata and the Daktota, but it can be a pain in the butt to use - it's much more particular about how you get it aligned and how evenly you tighten up the wingnuts on each side. FWIW, the Euro adapter fits the VW's, Audis, Minis, and Porsches.

I took a bunch of pictures when I did the RX-8, but haven't gotten around to doing a DIY yet.

One note - the brakes are a breeze using the Motive bleeder, but the clutch bleeder was a PITA to get to IMO.

Hope that helps some. In short, I'm a big fan. Feel free to ask questions and maybe I'll get around to doing that DIY sooner than later.

Later,

Luke

 

Hey Luke... are you sure you aren't using something other than the 1107... ie., 1109? I've got the 1107 for my Infiniti, and it does not fit in my RX8.

 

I just called Motive about this, and was told that Mazda tends to change master cylinders and/or caps fairly frequently. She basically told me that the Ford three-prong (1107) was the one to try, but she could not be sure it would fit my year. It is gauranteed, however, so if it does not seal you can send it back.

I went ahead and ordered an 1107, since I have an '04 like Skywalker. Hopefully it will fit. If not, they did say they will modify an OEM unit if you send it to them (assuming it doesn't have a relief valve in the center of the cap).

Anyway, I'll update this thread when I get the cap. Stephenti, what year is your RX-8?

 

I went back and looked at my records and I'm pretty sure it's an 1107. Of course, it doesn't actually have a p/n stamped on it . Here are some pictures of it.

Hopefully that helps.

Later,

Luke

 

Yep. Speedbleeders is the way I roll.

 

Mine is an '06... 1107 doesn't fit for me b/c the tabs on the adapter doesn't catch the tabs on the reservoir.... it's too large in diameter. I too spoke w/ a tech at Motive, and he told me the same thing about Mazda switching it up on the RX8. Their local Mazda dealership uses the universal adapter, which is what I ended up ordering.

 

Yup, 1107 failed on my '04 as well.

I do have their universal adaptor, but it's a pain to make it seal. I guess I'll give it another shot, or just go to speedbleeders.

 

FWIW, my advice on using the universal adapter is to make sure it's centered on the reservoir and try to keep the chain tension equal on both sides. It'll still probably be a PITA. I've given up on trying to get any real pressure built up in the bleeder. If I'm using the universal adapter, I only try for 5-6psi (vs. 10-15 psi on a fitted adapter). On a reservoir with a large opening, more pressure will literally lift the universal adapter right off the opening. The lower pressure cuts my fustration level greatly and does the job almost as well - maybe a little slower.

Later,

Luke

 

I bled my system w/ the universal adapter about 2 weeks ago. It worked out a lot better than I thought. A "trick" I'd recommend is instead of wrapping the chain the entire way around (slope = chain offset = adapter not centered) is to simply connect each side of the chain links to a couple of bolts sticking out just below the reservoir on either side... this results in the universal adapter being centered perfectly. I got 15PSI no problem.