I think there may be some residual mystery about the bleeding process. Often the devices and/or methods used obscure the goal and how to get there simply.

Bleeding, for the uninitiated, is the process of ridding a hydraulic system (clutch or brakes) of entrapped air. Air will prevent the proper performance of these systems. For this example, I will assume that the pumps are themselves primed to the point that they can pump and we are addressing the air in the lines.

One uses the bleeders to have the air exit. These little things are threaded fittings with a passage down the centre to near their bottom where they exit to the side. The bottoms themselves are tapered and when tightened they "stopper" the system at that bleeding point. When loosened a bit, the liquid or air can escape around the taped bottom and into the passage entrance at the side. A picture to the right
illustrates.

The problem with opening the bleeder and pumping at the pedal is that you will simply pump the hydraulic fluid out and draw in air as the pedal rises back.

Of course, the classic method of bleeding hydraulics leads to a small toxic mess and the breakup of many families. (sad smile) People have their wife or children pump vigorously at the brake or clutch pedal while they wait at the bleeder. This creates pressure in the system... They then shout to "hold the pedal to the floor" and quickly loosen the bleeder a tiny bit to open it an allow spray of air and fluid to exit. They repeat a number of times in hope of forcing the air out. When they find it hasn't working they divorce the
wife or beat the child and go buy a "device".

None of this is necessary. Air rises in a liquid..use that fact of nature to bleed your system without doubts or fuss. As Bill Button notes, it works..I use Audrey to help when she's around because she even enjoys the process now. She does the job and I have been relegated to pedal pumper.

Simply get a clear glass jar and a small (preferably but not necessarily clear) tube of convenient length (2-3ft) that fits snuggly over the end of the bleeder. "Snug" is sufficient as this system does NOT require high pressure. Fill the jar up a couple of inches with brake fluid, fit the tube over the bleeder and submerge the other end of the tube in the jar.

Now break the seal of the bleeder, and pump the pedal until the bubbles stop. Tighten the bleeder. You've finished. Move to the next bleeder.

You see, since the bleeder, through the tube, is submerged in the jar's brake fluid, it cannot draw in air during the bleeding process and one can actually see and confirm the voiding of the air when the bubbles stop.

The only watchpoint is the brake/clutch reservoir. These will empty as you pump. Keep an eye on their level and add when necessary.