What is the wheel order for brake bleeding?

The proper wheel order for brake bleeding is a crucial step in maintaining your vehicle's braking system. Brake bleeding is the process of removing air bubbles from the brake lines, ensuring a firm and responsive brake pedal. By following the correct wheel order, you can efficiently bleed the brakes and restore optimal braking performance.

The Wheel Order for Brake Bleeding

The standard wheel order for brake bleeding is as follows:

1. Right rear wheel


2. Left rear wheel


3. Right front wheel


4. Left front wheel

This order is typically recommended by vehicle manufacturers and brake system experts. It ensures that the brake fluid is properly flushed through the entire system, starting from the wheel furthest from the master cylinder and working towards the wheel closest to the master cylinder.

Why This Order Matters

Bleeding the brakes in the correct order is important for several reasons:

• Efficient Air Removal: By starting with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder, you're able to effectively push any air bubbles towards the master cylinder, where they can be expelled from the system.


• Consistent Pressure: Bleeding the brakes in the proper order helps maintain consistent pressure throughout the entire brake system, ensuring a uniform and responsive brake pedal feel.


• Comprehensive Flushing: The wheel order allows for a thorough flushing of the brake fluid, replacing any old or contaminated fluid with fresh, clean fluid.

Following the correct wheel order during brake bleeding is a simple but essential step in maintaining your vehicle's braking system. By adhering to this process, you can help ensure the safety and reliability of your brakes.

How do I get air out of my brake system?

To get air out of brakes, you need to bleed the brakes by having a partner press and hold the brake pedal while you open and close the bleeder valve on the wheel. Repeat this process until a steady stream of fluid without bubbles comes out, making sure to keep the master cylinder reservoir full throughout the procedure. Start with the brake furthest from the master cylinder and move to the closest one.
 
Step-by-step guide

1. Park and prepare: Park the vehicle on a level surface and locate the bleeder valves on each wheel's brake caliper or wheel cylinder. 
2. Gather tools: You will need a wrench, clear tubing, and a container to catch the old brake fluid. 
3. Fill the master cylinder: Ensure the master cylinder reservoir is filled to the "max" line with new brake fluid. 
4. Start bleeding:
   • Place a clear hose over the bleeder valve and put the other end in a collection container. 
   • Loosen the bleeder valve with your wrench. 
   • Have your partner pump the brake pedal a few times and then press it down firmly and hold it. 
   • While the pedal is held down, open the bleeder valve to release air and fluid. You will see bubbles in the clear tubing. 
   • Before your partner releases the pedal, tighten the bleeder valve. This is a crucial step to prevent air from re-entering the system. 
   • Have your partner slowly release the brake pedal. 
5. Monitor and repeat:
   • Keep an eye on the master cylinder and add more fluid as needed to prevent it from running dry, which would introduce more air. 
   • Repeat the pumping and bleeding process at the same wheel until the fluid flowing out is clear and has no air bubbles. 
6. Move to the next wheel: Once one wheel is bled, move to the next wheel, following the correct order. The general rule is to start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder and work your way closer. 
7. Finish up:
   • After bleeding all four wheels, make sure all bleeder valves are tight. 
   • Fill the master cylinder one last time and put the cap back on. 
   • Test the brake pedal to ensure it feels firm. 
   • Carefully test drive the vehicle at a low speed to confirm the brakes are working correctly. 

Do I have to bleed all four brakes if I replace one caliper?

No, you do not have to bleed all four brakes, but it is recommended to bleed at least the caliper that was replaced to remove any air from the system. However, if the brake fluid is old, it is a good practice to bleed the entire system to flush out the old fluid and prevent future corrosion. 
Bleeding just one caliper

• If you are careful during the replacement to minimize the introduction of air, you can often get away with just bleeding the one caliper. 
• You must bleed the specific caliper that was replaced to ensure no air has entered the system on that wheel. 
• The process involves using a bleeder screw on the new caliper and pushing fluid through until no more bubbles appear. 

Recommending a full brake flush 

• Bleeding all four brakes is the best way to ensure no air is in the entire system and to replace all the old brake fluid. 
• If the brake fluid is old and discolored, it has likely absorbed moisture, which can cause rust and damage the brake system over time. 
• Bleeding the whole system is an opportunity to completely flush out the old fluid and replace it with fresh fluid. 

How to bleed brakes

• If you are only bleeding the one caliper, focus on that one until no air comes out. 
• If you are bleeding all four, follow the correct sequence, starting with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder and moving to the closest. 
• Common sequence:
  1. Right rear
  2. Left rear
  3. Right front
  4. Left front 

Which wheel do you bleed brakes first?

You should bleed brakes starting with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder and work your way closer. The most common sequence is: passenger rear, driver's rear, passenger's front, and finally driver's front. This order helps push all air and old fluid out of the system more effectively.
 
This video demonstrates the entire brake bleeding process, including the correct order: 58sChrisFixYouTube · Jul 29, 2014
Bleeding order by wheel

• First: Passenger side rear
• Second: Driver's side rear
• Third: Passenger side front
• Fourth: Driver's side front 

Important considerations

• Check your manual: This is a general guideline. Some vehicles, especially those with an ABS module, may have a different recommended sequence. Always check your owner's manual for the correct procedure. 
• Keep the reservoir full: Ensure the master cylinder reservoir is always topped off with new brake fluid to prevent air from entering the system. 
• Submerge the hose: When using a one-way bleeder or a two-person method, submerge the end of the hose in a small amount of brake fluid in a container to prevent air from being sucked back in. 

You can watch this video to learn how to bleed your brakes by yourself: 56s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Mar 1, 2017

What is the correct order for bleeding brakes?

The standard brake bleeding sequence is to start at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder and work your way closer: right rear, left rear, right front, and finally left front. Always check your owner's manual to confirm the correct sequence for your specific vehicle, as some systems with ABS modules may have a different order, and periodically top off the master cylinder to prevent air from entering the system.
 
Standard brake bleeding sequence (for most vehicles) 

• Step 1: Right rear wheel (passenger side)
• Step 2: Left rear wheel (driver side)
• Step 3: Right front wheel (passenger side)
• Step 4: Left front wheel (driver side) 

Important considerations

• Check your owner's manual: Some vehicles, especially those with rear-mounted ABS modules, may require a different sequence. 
• Top off the master cylinder: Keep the brake fluid reservoir full throughout the process. If it runs dry, you will introduce air into the system and have to start over. 
• Work with an assistant: Have one person operate the brake pedal while another opens and closes the bleeder valve at each wheel. 
• Close the valve: Make sure to close the bleeder valve before the person pumping the pedal releases the pedal, notes this YouTube video and Brakes-shop.com article.