Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Need to pump your car's brakes to freshen them up? Or have you recently replaced your brake pads, but when you press the pedal, you feel that the brakes are not firm enough? Sometimes, when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir drops too low, air bubbles can enter the hoses, reducing the overall strength of the brake system. Bleeding air from the brake fluid mass will restore full hydraulic brake force.Here you will find short instructions on how to properly bleed the brakes.

Steps

1. 1 Remove the cover of the main tank. This is usually a light-colored tank with a black lid.
2. 2 Remove old fluid. Use a syringe to remove the old black liquid from the reservoir as much as possible.
3. 3 Empty the reservoir. After you have removed all the old brake fluid, clean the sludge from the tank walls with a clean, lint-free cloth. Do not allow brake fluid to come into contact with any painted surfaces - it will immediately damage the paint.
4. 4 Fill the master cylinder with clean brake fluid. Replace the upper part of the brake master cylinder.
5. 5 Press the brake pedal several times (15 or more).
6. 6 Loosen the outlet valve. Using a spanner wrench that matches the size of the outlet bolt (usually 8 mm), loosen the valve, but leave it closed. If you spray the bolts with oil the day before, it will be easier for you to unscrew them.
7. 7 Hook up the tubing to the outlet valve. Cut off a piece of clear plastic tubing (aquarium tubing will work) and thread one end of the tubing onto the outlet bolt.
   • Place the other end of the tube in a small transparent bottle, after filling it with brake fluid, this will prevent air from entering the brake cylinder.
8. 8 Place a 1 x 4 block or other support under the brake pedal. This will help prevent releasing the pedal too close to the floor and prematurely bleeding the brakes.
9. 9 Fill the master cylinder reservoir. Remove the top of the main reservoir and fill it with new brake fluid.
10. 10 Replace the top of the master cylinder reservoir.
11. 11 Have the assistant sit in the driver's seat, slowly press and hold the brake pedal. The assistant should shout "down" when the pedal is lowered to the limit.
    • Note: do not exert too much force. Press so that you can fully stop before the stop sign.
12. 12 Starting at the rear passenger wheel (rear right for LHD vehicles), turn the bleed bolt to the left one quarter of a turn. Old liquid and air will flow from the tube into the bottle. When fluid stops flowing, close the outlet valve.
    • Note: warn your assistant that the brake pedal will sink down when you unscrew the exhaust bolt a quarter turn. This is quite natural.
13. 13 Shout to your assistant “Up!", So that at this moment he took his foot off the pedal, and she, thus, rose up.
14. 14 Repeat this process until new clear fluid flows through the hoses. Add fresh fluid to the reservoir every five times you press the brake pedal. Never let the liquid level in the reservoir get too low, otherwise air will be sucked into the master cylinder.
15. 15 Tighten the outlet valve in place.
16. 16Repeat steps 12-15 for the left rear wheel.
17. 17Repeat steps 12-15 for the right front wheel.
18. 18Repeat steps 12-15 for the left front wheel.
19. 19 Ready. Your brakes have been properly bled. Thank your helper by treating him to a beer or soda. Never take help for granted.

Tips

• Always start with the wheels farthest from the brake master cylinder. As a rule, it is from the rear right to the rear left, then the front right, and finally the front left.
• It is not recommended to do this on your own, air can be sucked in through the exhaust valve thread!
• If this is your first time doing this procedure, ask a professional to help you.
• Thread a small hose onto the end of the outlet valve. Immerse the end of the hose in a bottle of brake fluid. Loosen the valve. Press the brake pedal, making sure the master cylinder is full.
• The outlet bolts can be difficult to loosen. Use an appropriately sized box wrench to loosen them.
• For anti-lock brakes, a scan tool may be required to start the pump and valve.
• Stores such as Autozone sell plastic and cleaning kits for an inexpensive price (less than $ 20), which can be very helpful.
• Due to the use of different valves and systems, some later vehicle models require a special bleed procedure known as a “bleed order”. Please consult a professional before proceeding with this procedure, as improper bleeding can lead to problems or damage to the brake system.

Warnings

• Brake fluid eats away at paint on a car. Try not to spill it.
• Always use the manufacturer's recommended brake fluid for your vehicle. Using the wrong fluid (such as engine oil) can cause the brakes to fail. If you survive in the event of a brake failure, you will have to replace some rather expensive parts.
• Brake fluid is an unpleasant thing. Keep it out of sight and out of your way. Use a hose and jar to collect and recycle.

What do you need

• Box key.
• Transparent plastic pipe.
• 1 liter brake fluid packaging.
• Syringe.
• Transparent plastic bottle.
• Support (1x4 bar).
• Another person who will be your assistant.