No air please! Brakes need an air-free system to work reliably. If there is any air at all in the hydraulic system, braking performance will be reduced – and in the worst-case scenario, this can lead to the failure of the braking system – so every workshop needs a device for brake maintenance and bleeding. However, the market can be confusing because there is so much on offer, from cheaper entry-level models to professional devices. We’ll use the examples of our ATE brake filling and bleeding devices FB 5ev and FB 30SR to show you the differences between entry-level and professional devices.
The entry-level model: FB 5ev brake bleeding device
The 5l brake bleeding device FB 5ev has everything you need for filling, flushing and bleeding modern electronic braking systems. With its variable pressure setting between 0.4 and 3.5 bar, it can be used for the vehicles of all leading automobile manufacturers. Operation is simple and intuitive: The device is set to the desired working pressure by means of a rotary control, and a manometer is used for pressure control. The FB 5ev bleeding device thus meets all the essential requirements of modern electronic braking systems.
The professional model: the FB 30SR brake bleeding device
The FB 30SR has all the functions of the FB 5ev, but it also offers a number of advantages that make brake maintenance in the workshop easier. Fixed pressure levels with 0.4/ 1.0 and 2.2 bar save valuable time, since the pressure to be used doesn’t have to be set manually again and again – and in contrast to entry-level units, the use of brake fluid reservoirs with a volume of 30 liters and a double capacity increases the speed and efficiency of the brake maintenance and bleeding processes. Cleaning the expansion reservoir is an essential part of a professional brake fluid change. This is no problem with the FB 30SR: A suction lance with its own suction system removes the old fluid from the expansion reservoir and pours it into a collecting bottle. Here’s yet another advantage for the workshop: Thanks to its large wheels and swivel casters, the device can also be easily maneuvered with the 30-liter container always in place.
Both models in a direct comparison
|
|
ATE FB 5ev |
ATE FB 30SR |
|
Brake fluid content |
5 liters |
5 - 30 liters |
|
Network connection |
230 V ~, 50 - 60 Hz |
100-240 V ~, 50 - 60 Hz |
|
Pump flow rate |
approx. 24 l/h at 2 bar counterpressure |
min. 50 l/h at 2 bar counterpressure |
|
Suction pump flow rate |
- |
approx. 1.0 l/min -230 V~, 50-60 Hz |
|
Operating pressure |
0.4-3.5 bar, infinitely variable |
0.4-3.5 bar (infinitely variable possible) |
|
Pressure levels |
- |
0.4 bar / 1.0 bar / 2.2 bar |
|
Automatic pump shutoff |
when approx. 9 mm left in container |
when approx. 9 mm left in container |
|
Connection cable length |
5 m |
5 m |
|
Filling hose length |
3.5 m |
3.5 m |
|
Dimensions |
H x B x D 530 x 285 x 250 mm |
H x B x D 915 x 475 x 380 mm |
|
Weight |
8.6 kg |
16.9 kg |
|
Noise level |
66 dB(A) |
66 dB(A) |
|
Casters |
- |
2 steering casters, 2 wheels |
Expert Talk: ATE Brake bleeding devices
Do you want to know more about the FB 5ev and FB 30SR brake bleeding devices from ATE? Have a look at the Expert Talk with Michael Schindler at the Continental booth!
Our recommendation: The space-saving brake bleeding device FB 5ev is a reliable entry-level tool and ideal as a second device. It’s equipped with the most important functions for carrying out professional brake bleeding. However, if the volume of work in the workshop is high and time is tight, the FB 30SR with its preset pressure levels, larger capacity tank and extraction of old brake fluid is a professional device. Because: Your workshop employees save time when they use the FB 30SR – and that’s time they can use to deal with other customer orders.
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