How to Bleed Brakes

HOW TO BLEED BRAKES

1. Raise your car on jack stands. Make sure it’s parked on a level surface first. Then, raise it on jack stands or cinder blocks to make it easier to get under the vehicle.
2. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder. You want to make sure it’s full before you start, because the process of bleeding your brakes will remove some brake fluid from the system. If it’s too low, you’ll end up introducing more air into the brake lines.
3. Check the bleeder valves. Use your bleeder or box wrench to make sure you can easily loosen each bleeder valve bolt, so you don’t run into any issues after you start. If you’re having issues, add some penetrating oil and try again in a few minutes. Re-tighten each bolt before moving on.
4. Bleed the brakes. Usually, you want to bleed your brakes in the following order: passenger-side rear, driver-side rear, passenger-side front, driver-side front. In other words, you’re starting farthest from the master cylinder and working your way closer. Some vehicles require a different order, so check your owner’s manual first.
   
   When you’re ready to start, add an inch or so of brake fluid into your empty jar. Attach one end of your bleeder hose to the bleeder valve and place the other end into the brake fluid in your jar.
   
   Ask your friend to pump the brake pedal three times and then hold it down. While pressure is maintained on the pedal, you should open the brake bleeder valve. Brake fluid will flow through the hose and into your jar.
   
   As this happens, your friend will notice the brake pedal continue to move toward the floor. Ask them to let you know when it stops moving. At this point, close the bleeder valve. After it’s closed, your friend can remove their foot from the brake pedal.
   
   Repeat this step until no more air comes out of the line. Then, check the fluid level in the master cylinder before moving on to the next brake, topping it off as necessary.
5. Finish up and take a test drive. Once you’ve bled all four brakes, top off the fluid in the master cylinder one last time. Then, make sure everything’s tight and get your car back on the ground.
   
   Finally, take it for a careful test drive. Start slow to make sure the brakes work as expected.

NEED BRAKE HELP?

Congratulations—you now know how to bleed brakes! Hopefully, following these steps will result in a more responsive brake pedal.

Need parts to help with brake repair in WILMINGTON, Newark, or New Castle? Head to Diver Chevrolet to get what you need. Our qualified technicians are also available to help you solve any brake problems. Contact us today to get your questions answered or schedule a service appointment!