How to Bleed Brakes

You rely upon your vehicles brakes every time you drive your car. Those brakes are what keep you from hitting something. However, if those brakes fail, you will most certainly be in a dangerous position. When they begin to feel spongy, it doesn't necessarily mean that you need expensive brake work; they may be simply in need of bleeding. You can do that job yourself.

  • Fill the master cylinder with brake fluid before beginning. Jack the car up so that the two rear wheels are about six inches above the ground. Slide under the right rear wheel and look at the back of the brake system for a small bleed valve. A bleed valve is a hollow bolt. When loosened it will allow the brake fluid to flow out and result in the vehicle having no brakes.

  • Fit a rubber hose over the end of the bleed valve. Make sure it forms a tight seal and make sure the free end is below the level of fresh and clean brake fluid. As the brake fluid in the line pushes out of the system, you will see a bubble come from the end that is under fluid.

  • Have a helper sit in the driver's seat and follow your instructions. Tell your helper to pump the brakes hard a few times. Open the bleeder valve and tell your helper to press the brake pedal firmly down to the floor and hold it there until you indicate otherwise. Close the bleeder valve and have your helper release the brake pedal.

  • Repeat this process until you see a small bubble ejected from the tubing under the surface of the brake fluid in the jar. Once you have finished with this wheel, move to the left rear wheel. Before you begin the next wheel brake, refill the master cylinder reservoir. Get set up and repeat the same steps for this tire. The next two wheels you will bleed are the right front wheel and then the left front wheel.

  • Bleed the wheels in the order of the longest brake line first and then working towards the shortest brake line. Refill the master cylinder reservoir before beginning each new wheel. Once the rear brakes are finished, lower the car and jack up the front of the car. Remember to road test the brakes and make sure they operate well.