How to Bleed the Brake System?
3 Answers
Brake bleeding methods are as follows: 1. Remove the dust cap on the bleeder valve of the wheel cylinder, prepare a transparent hose, connect one end to the bleeder valve and the other end to a plastic container. 2. One person should press the brake pedal several times inside the car, then firmly press and hold the brake pedal. Meanwhile, another person outside the car should loosen the bleeder screw on the wheel cylinder, allowing air to escape along with the brake fluid. 3. Repeat the above steps until no air bubbles are visible in the discharged fluid, then top up the brake fluid and tighten the bleeder screw. Note: The recommended wheel sequence for bleeding is usually right rear wheel – left rear wheel – right front wheel – left front wheel.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered quite a few instances where the brake pedal felt soft. I think bleeding the brakes is pretty crucial, as doing it wrong can affect stopping distance. Prepare some new brake fluid and simple tools like a wrench and clear tubing. Get a friend to help—one person pumps the pedal while the other loosens the small valve on the wheel, working slowly and carefully. Remember the sequence: start with the rear wheels, then move to the front. Keep going until the fluid comes out without bubbles. Keep an eye on the fluid level during the process, and top it up with new fluid if it gets low. It's best to do this on level ground, not on a slope. Safety first—wear gloves and goggles to avoid fluid splashes. Regularly changing the brake fluid can prevent this hassle, since old fluid is more prone to trapping air.
I enjoy DIY car repairs, and bleeding brakes isn't actually difficult. Simply put, just buy some brake fluid and a bleeding tool, then find an assistant at home. You pump the brake pedal three times and hold it down firmly, while I quickly open the valve near the wheel to let the fluid flow out. Watch the transparent tube - if there are bubbles, keep going until the fluid runs clear. Do this for each wheel, working from farthest to nearest. Be careful not to let the master cylinder fluid level get too low, and top it up promptly. Avoid high temperatures during the process - if it gets hot, take a break. Once I forgot to tighten the valve properly and ended up with fluid all over the ground - lesson learned! The tools are easily available online, very convenient.