How to properly bleed brakes by yourself?
Bleeding your brakes is an essential maintenance task that ensures your vehicle's braking system operates effectively. Air trapped in the brake lines can lead to a spongy brake pedal and reduced braking performance. In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to properly bleed your brakes at home, ensuring your safety and the efficiency of your vehicle.
What You Will Need
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
- Brake fluid (check your vehicle's specifications for the correct type)
- Wrench or socket set
- Clear plastic tubing
- Catch container for old brake fluid
- Helper (optional, but recommended)
Steps to Bleed Your Brakes
Follow these steps to bleed your brakes effectively:
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Remove the wheel covering the brake caliper you will be working on.
- Locate the Bleeder Valve: Find the bleeder valve on the brake caliper. It usually looks like a small nipple and is often covered by a rubber cap.
- Attach the Tubing: Place one end of the clear plastic tubing over the bleeder valve and the other end into the catch container. This will help you see the fluid and air bubbles as they are expelled.
- Open the Bleeder Valve: Using the wrench, carefully open the bleeder valve. If you have a helper, they can press the brake pedal down slowly while you do this.
- Press the Brake Pedal: Have your helper press the brake pedal down and hold it. You will see brake fluid and air bubbles flowing through the tubing.
- Close the Valve: Once the pedal is pressed down, close the bleeder valve before your helper releases the brake pedal. This prevents air from re-entering the system.
- Repeat the Process: Repeat the process until you see a steady stream of clear brake fluid without air bubbles. Start with the brake furthest from the master cylinder (usually the passenger side rear) and work your way to the closest (driver's side front).
- Check Fluid Levels: Throughout the process, keep an eye on the brake fluid reservoir. Make sure it does not run dry, as this will introduce air back into the system.
- Test the Brakes: Once all brakes have been bled, replace the wheel and lower the vehicle. Test the brake pedal to ensure it feels firm before driving.
Safety Tips
Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from brake fluid.
- Dispose of old brake fluid properly, as it is toxic and can damage paint.
- Ensure your vehicle is securely supported on jack stands if lifted.
By following these steps, you can successfully bleed your brakes and maintain your vehicle's braking system. Regular maintenance not only enhances safety but also prolongs the life of your vehicle. If you encounter any issues or feel unsure, don't hesitate to consult a professional mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will air in brake lines eventually go away?
No, air will not typically come out of brake lines on its own.
What not to do when bleeding brakes?
7 Common Mistakes When Bleeding Brakes
- Using the Wrong Brake Fluid Type.
- Spilling Brake Fluid.
- Stripping the Bleeder.
- Letting Dirt In.
- Overtightening the Bleeder Screw.
- Overfilling the System.
- Trying to Do It Alone.
What is the fastest way to bleed brake lines?
Gravity is the simplest one-person brake bleeding method. Attach the hose to the bleed screw, open it up, and watch old brake fluid and air flow out of the lines like water through the Aqua Virgo aqueduct on the way to Rome.
What happens if you don't bleed brakes correctly?
Air inside the braking system is not good news because air is compressible. If air bubbles are present in the brake fluid, they affect the lubricant's compressibility. If you don't bleed your vehicle's blades, your brake pedal might feel spongy and sit lower than normal.
What is the best brake bleeding method?
You should start with the brake that's furthest away from the master cylinder, working your way round the car to end with the brake closest to the cylinder. This stops any air re-contaminating the brakes you've already bled.
What is the correct order to bleed your brakes?
The order on most cars begins with the passenger rear brake first, then the driver rear, then the passenger front and finishing with the driver front. Check the brake fluid level after bleeding each brake. Ensure it stays above the indicator line.
Do you leave the reservoir open when bleeding brakes?
When bleeding brakes, it's generally recommended to leave the cap on the brake fluid reservoir. This helps maintain pressure in the system and prevents air from entering during the bleeding process.
How to tell if brakes are bled properly?
To double-check for a properly bled system simply look to the master cylinder. Remove the cover while an assistant pumps the pedal several times, holding it down on the final pump. Observe brake fluid squirts within the master cylinder as the pedal is quickly released.
How many times should you pump the brakes when bleeding them?
Attach one end of the clear plastic tubing to the bleeder screw, and place the other end into the disposable bottle. Position the bottle on top of the caliper or drum assembly, and hold it steady. Instruct your assistant to pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it down firmly and say “applied.”
How do you get air out of brake lines without bleeding?
Removing Air From the Brake Lines Without Bleeding Them
Attach a plastic hose to the bleeder bolt after you've loosened this bolt. Place something on the brake pedal to hold it firm. Wait for the brake fluid to drain. Remove the hose, clean the bolt, and refill the brake lines with new brake fluid.
