How to Bleed Brakes on a Car

When changing brakes on a vehicle or allowing it to run low, it is a must to bleed the brakes on the vehicle to insure removal of air in the lines.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brake Fluid
• Clear small tubing
• Clear large jar

1. Park the vehicle on a level area, raising the hood.

2. Place the emergency brake on before continuing any farther.

3. Beginning on the rear passenger side, loosen the lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and remove the tire. Secure the vehicle properly.

4. Behind the rotor (round metal directly behind the tire), there is a nozzle and a bolt. Using the tubing, place it on the nozzle and run it into the jar.

5. Under the hood, remove the cap to the brake fluid reservoir.

6. Loosen the bolt, allowing the fluid to move the tube into the jar. Have your helper pump the brake pedal, pushing the fluid through.

7. Once the air is out of the line or when they let you know it feels harder to push, have them hold the brake pedal in. Proceed to tighten the bolt, while they hold it in.

8. Check your brake fluid reservoir adding as necessary.

9. Once the bolt is tightened, replace the tire. Put the lug nuts back on, lowering the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts completely.

10. Repeat step above for the remaining sides following this order for the rest: rear driver side, front passenger side, front driver side.

Tips & Warnings

• Never be afraid to ask someone for help
• Keep an eye out on the brake fluid reservoir, allowing it to get low while bleeding the brakes will only cause you to repeat the process over again.
• Never get under a vehicle until you know for sure it is secure!
• Always have someone nearby for emergencies!

[nicisman08]

on 7/17/2009 Excellent detailed article. Very well written and very informative. Thanks. 5 stars.

[shelc]

on 7/8/2009 I know nothing about car repair, but this is a very detailed article. Thanks!