Most people do not enjoy bleeding brakes but it is something that usually has to be done at one point or another to every car. You have no doubt seen or at least heard this process being conducted as it will be one dirty guy underneath a car yelling, ‘pump ‘em up,’ while another clean person is sitting with a smile in the car doing just that. In case you haven’t figured it out, you want to be the guy in the car which can be hard if it is your brakes that need to be bled.
Various experts will tell you that a car’s brake lines should be bled every two to three years to maintain optimal performance but many times circumstances won’t let you wait that long. Basically, if air becomes trapped in your brake lines due to any number of different reasons, then you must get that air out as too much air can result in total brake failure.
While there are different ways to bleed brakes, probably the most common and easiest way to do so is with two people. This requires good communication as the person who will be pressing on the brakes (the clean guy) will have to listen intently to the person who will be under the car releasing air through the bleeders. If communication breaks down then you risk having air sucked back up into the brake lines which is the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish.
In order to bleed you brakes properly, find a willing buddy and follow these steps:
- Prep for the Bleeding: First you have to jack the car up and put it on jack stands to ensure it will be safe to work on. Next take off the front wheels and locate the bleeder values which can be found in the braking system and will usually have a plastic cap covering it. Remove the plastic cap and get the appropriate sized box wrench and place it over the bleeder value and get ready to loosen it. Place plastic clear tubing over the top nipple part of the bleeder value and run it to an old milk jug or soda bottle so that the fluid can be caught.
- Let the Bleeding Begin: Once you are ready yell for your friend to pump the brakes three times and then have him hold down the brake pedal as far as it will go. Your friend can not let up on the brake pedal until you tell him it is time so make sure he knows this. Once your friend is stepping on the brake turn the bleeder value a quarter turn and leave it open for a couple of seconds then tighten it right back up. This will release some of the brake fluid and hopefully the air. Your friend will feel the pedal go towards the floor and that is exactly what you want. Once you close the bleeder value have your friend release the brake pedal.
- Repeat: You will need to repeat the bleeding process as many times as it takes to achieve no air bubbles in the fluid that is coming out through the clear tube. Be sure to check your brake fluid reservoir if you are letting out a large amount of brake fluid as you may need to add some.
- Test: Once you feel that the bleeding process is done check the brakes for yourself to make sure that the pedal doesn’t feel spongy. You should also check the bleeder values for any signs of leakage. It is also a very good idea check your brake fluid levels one last time just to be one the safe side.
If everything is okay then you can replace the plastic cap on the bleeder value, put your wheels back on, lower your car, and then take it for a spin. Be sure to use caution until you are sure that your car is going to be fine and maybe start off on some back roads. All that remains after this is to thank your friend with some pizza and drinks and then be sure you answer the phone when he calls you for help.
