How to Bleed Car Brakes
Many vehicles require the brakes to be bled every time you change the brake pads. This happens because the pressure on the piston inside the caliper must be relieved in some brake systems. It is the brake fluid and brake lines that retain that pressure, and the pressure is released by opening the bleeder valve.
- Get two people, a wrench to fit the bleeder valve for loosening and tightening and extra brake fluid - refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the fluid specs.
- Apply the parking brake as a safety measure, check your brake fluid reservoir and add fluid if needed.
- Start the car and turn the wheel sharply on the side your assistant will start working.
- Have the assistant lay down or squat as close to the wheel as possible or lay down where they can see the bleeder valve clearly. If necessary, you may need to raise that side with your jack for access.
- Have the assistant open the bleeder valve.
- Depress the brake pedal several times while the assistant monitors the opened bleeder valve for fluid to come out.
- Stop pumping the brake pedal as soon as your assistant tells you fluid came out. Hold the pedal to the floor and wait while the assistant closes the valve. This is how the air gets pushed out of the brake system.
- Release the brake pedal. This will draw brake fluid into the system.
- Have the assistant open the valve again while you pump the pedal until the assistant tells you to stop because fluid is coming out again.
- Repeat until nothing but brake fluid comes out. Do not release the brake pedal when the assistant has the bleeder valve open.