How to Bleed Car Brakes

Many brake problems can be traced to air or contamination of the hydraulic fluid. Bleeding your brakes can be messy, and hardly enjoyable. However, doing it yourself can save you a considerable amount of money. This guide will take you through the process step by step.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brake fluid
• Plastic tubing
• Wrench (flare "nut/line" or six point socket)
• Clear bottle
• Another person to help you

1. The wheel-bleeding sequence is different depending on vehicle (front- or rear-wheel-drive) and method (one or two person). For most rear-drive vehicles, begin at the wheel least closest to the master cylinder (usually the passenger's side rear.)

2. Attach one end of your plastic tubing to the bleeder screw and put the other in a clear bottle so that you can see any air bubbles. Crack open the bleeder with a wrench while your helper applies pressure to the brake pedal.

3. Keep pumping and bleeding the lines until air bubbles no longer flow through the plastic tube into the bottle. Once the air has been bled out of the lines, continue to bleed the system until only fresh brake fluid comes out.

4. Be sure to keep an eye on the master cylinder, you don't want the reservoir to run dry and allow air back into the system. To prevent this from occurring top off the reservoir with new fluid when it begins to get low. Also, keep the lids on both the master cylinder and bottle while bleeding the break lines, this will keep air out and fluid in.

5. After bleeding and flushing your brake lines dispose of the old fluid properly. Contact your local auto parts store as they will often accept used fluid and dispose of it safely.

Tips & Warnings

• Go slowly. Your brakes are a vital vehicular system. This is not the time to get careless or be in a hurry.
• Read your owners manual. The owners manual will inform you of the proper brake fluid to purchase.
• Plan ahead. Keep extra rags, tools and anything else you may need handy, in the event an accident, they will be close at hand.
• You can bleed your brakes alone, but it is much easier if you have someone to help you.
• Brake fluid is hazardous to the environment. Dispose of it properly.
• If fluid gets into your mouth or eyes, quickly flush them out with water and contact your local poison control center immediately.
• Ingesting brake fluid can be deadly. Do not leave it where children or pets can get to it.