Brake Bleeder Kit: Sodamaxx Model

Hello,

I've built a brake bleeding device out of my old SodaStream.

The structure:
1. Sodamaxx. The lance, which normally extends into the water, is disassembled, and the internal hose is cut just below the bottle coupling. This prevents the CO2 from being forced through the brake fluid.
2. Screw the threaded connector into the bottom of the water bottle.
3. T-fitting.
4. a shut-off valve.
5. Pressure gauge for an operating pressure of 1.5-2 bar (here for a maximum of 6 bar).
6. 6mm PA hose.
7. Pressure-resistant cap for the vehicle's brake fluid reservoir (with a 6mm hose connection).



For operation:
Screw the adapter cap onto the brake fluid reservoir of the vehicle (ensure the level is between the minimum and maximum marks).
2. Fill approximately 0.5 liters of brake fluid into the modified water bottle.
3. With the Sodamaxx, build up a pressure of 1-2 bar with the shut-off valve closed. If there is too much pressure, you can release it using the small blue lever. Then, open the shut-off valve. The pressure will now also be applied to the braking system.
4. Bleed the system as usual. Replenish the drained brake fluid from the SodaStream bottle. If pressure needs to be 're-pressurized,' always close the shut-off valve first. The SodaStream can build up pressure of up to 6 bar, which will definitely damage the brake fluid reservoir in the car.

In my opinion, brake fluid can remain in the Sodamaxx machine under slight overpressure. The CO2 pressure should make it a better storage solution than an opened canister. The bottles are made of PET, which should be resistant to brake fluid.

Unfortunately, the device hasn't been able to be tested in a real-world scenario yet, due to the lack of a suitable cap for the brake fluid reservoir. I will try to find one from a junkyard sometime. Does anyone know of a brand where the cap also fits a VW Golf IV? Unfortunately, the original VW caps have contacts for level monitoring, which could interfere when installing a hose fitting.

According to a tool catalog, the following types should be compatible:
Adapter, thread 46.5 x 3.5 mm, short.
Standard adapter E20 for Alfa, Austin, Audi.
BMW, Citroën, Fiat, Ford, Lancia, Mercedes.
Opel, Porsche, Renault, Rover, Talbot, Volkswagen.
Volvo and Peugeot models up to 1988.

Regards,
Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

'DirkP'

Do you work at Festo or do you get a significant commission from them?

Those cute blue connectors cost a fortune, don't they?

Okay, please provide the German text you would like me to translate into English. I will only provide the translation.

No, I don't work at Festo and I don't get any percentages. Every other connector does the same thing . The stuff was just offered because it was simply available .

Regards,
Dirk.

I took a lid from a Kadett for my custom build.

Hello fellow enthusiasts,

Coincidentally, I had the same idea about the 'SodaMaxx' for two months, when I came across one of those devices while cleaning out my basement!
The advantages are the transparent, pressure-resistant, and sufficiently large plastic bottle. However, in my opinion, the disadvantages, such as the very thin pressure hoses that do not fit standard pneumatic accessories, and the pressure being introduced from below, outweigh the advantages.

But since 'Sodamaxx,' the idea of building a really good brake bleeding device (much better than the Eezi-Bleed in Colorado) hasn't left me alone.

When I was tidying up further and found a high-quality but defective spray nozzle from Pressol (at my place, nothing is ever thrown away, much to my wife's annoyance), I had the solution.

'Along with a specially designed cap (okay, it's not that easy to make, about an hour on the lathe, but you can also modify the old cap from the sprayer), an adjustable pressure regulator including a gauge (about 15 euros, I have mine set to approximately 1 bar), and a makeshift wooden stand (to hold both bottles when not in use), I've built a very useful device.'
The hoses, the connectors for this purpose (aquarium supplies!!), and the pneumatic components are all readily available at a well-stocked hardware store for just a few euros.
I soldered 6mm brass tubes directly into the pneumatic fittings to serve as risers.
By the way, the red lid for the oil reservoir is actually from a very old Fiesta.

Simply fill in the brake fluid, turn on the compressor, and bleed !

The pressure vessel has a volume of approximately 1.5 liters of BF and is therefore large enough to accommodate a complete 'cycle'.

BTW: Due to the (actually unnecessary) rising pipe in the collection container, it is very easy and without mess to use compressed air to push the old oil back into a dedicated 'old oil' container. Incidentally, the 90° bend for the vent valve is also very helpful.