How to Bleed Brakes

When it comes to safety features, your vehicle’s braking system is one of the most important. If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, air may be trapped inside the brake lines, preventing the hydraulic brake system from functioning as intended. Bleeding your brakes removes that trapped air, improving stopping performance.

If you’re preparing to complete brake service by yourself in Dayton, we have just the right guide for you! At Dave Arbogast in Troy, we always want to help all vehicle owners understand how to bleed brakes the proper way. After you learn how to bleed brakes by yourself, you’ll realize it’s not that complicated! Follow our guide on to how to safely bleed brake lines from our service department, then check out our service specials!

How to Bleed Brakes By Yourself

Ready to learn how to bleed brakes? Before we dive right in, you’ll need fresh brake fluid, a fluid holder and tubing, a box-end wrench, and an assistant. Below are the steps on how to bleed brakes by yourself:

Step 1:

Review your owner’s manual so you know the correct brake fluid to purchase. While you’re doing that, check to see the replacement intervals for your brake fluid! Your owner’s manual will have the exact process to bleed your brake lines correctly.

Step 2:

On even ground, jack your vehicle up and remove all four wheels.

Step 3:

Identify where the four caliper bleeding screws are then loosen them carefully, being sure not to twist too hard. If it’s becoming difficult, spray each screw with penetrating oil then try again in 30 minutes. Do not try to force the screw, as it could snap or strip the screw. Unfortunately, if this happens contact our service professionals near Vandalia and Troy.

Step 4:

As soon as the screws become loose, retighten them again. You’ll have to bleed one brake at a time so only one screw should be loose at all times.

Step 5:

Pop open your hood and see where your brake fluid level is at in your master cylinder. Make sure the brake fluid is at the right level. As you learn how to bleed brakes, you’ll note that the master cylinder cap needs to be unscrewed and placed on top of the reservoir. Bleed the brake furthest away from the master cylinder and work your way toward the closest.

Step 6:

Position the end of the clearing tube (¼-inch in diameter) directly over the first bleeder screw. Place the opposite end of the tube into a plastic bottle or purchase a brake bleeding kit online or at an auto store. Make sure the tubing is long enough to place the catch container above the bleeder screw’s height.

Step 7:

Turn your engine off then have your assistant pump your brake pedal until there is resistance pushing back against the pedal. Tell your assistant to keep the pressure on the pedal so you can open the bleeder screw slightly. The brake fluid should flow through the tube, and the pedal will lower, but pressure will still need to be applied.

Step 8:

Your assistant will tell you when the pedal is coming close to touching the floor. Close the bleeder screw quickly then check the brake fluid level in the master fluid reservoir. Add more fluid if needed.

Step 9:

Repeat steps 7 and 8 five more times to the same bleeder screw or until you no longer see air bubbles in the fluid stream.

Step 10:

Repeat steps 7, 8, and 9 for the other three screws in the recommended order, according to your owner’s manual.

Step 11:

Once each brake has bled, advise your assistant to apply each brake then release the pedal quickly. Double check the reservoir to ensure zero bubbles are present. If you have little movement in the fluid, then you’re successful!

Step 12:

Tighten the bleeder screws again then put the wheels back on.

Have Your Brakes Bled at Dave Arbogast

Now that you know how to bleed brake lines, you’ll be able to show others the steps so they can feel confident too! Contact us at Dave Arbogast to schedule an appointment today!