What are the steps for bleeding the brakes?
3 Answers
The steps for bleeding the brake fluid are as follows: 1. Press the brake pedal continuously 5 to 6 times; 2. Keep the brake pedal pressed, then immediately loosen the air screw on the right rear wheel brake caliper and quickly tighten it again; 3. Repeat this action until the brake fluid shoots out in a straight line from the air screw. Brake fluid is the liquid medium that transmits braking pressure in hydraulic braking systems, used in vehicles with hydraulic braking systems. Its characteristics are: 1. Low freezing point: It maintains good fluidity at low temperatures; 2. Extremely high boiling point: It does not create vapor lock at high temperatures; 3. Minimal quality changes: It does not corrode or soften metals and rubber.
I've bled the brake system several times, so here's my step-by-step process. First, find a level ground, use a jack to stabilize the car securely, and remove the wheel—safety first. Get a friend to help; this job requires teamwork: one person sits in the driver's seat to press the brake pedal, while the other handles the wrench and a clear bottle for bleeding. Start with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, usually the right rear. Keep the brake fluid reservoir full to prevent air from sneaking in. Press the brake pedal slowly, open the bleeder screw on the wheel hub, and watch the fluid flow into the bottle carefully until no bubbles appear, then tighten the screw and release the pedal. Repeat a few times to ensure it's clean, then proceed in order: left rear, right front, and left front wheels. Finally, check the fluid level and test the brakes lightly on the road. Don’t rush the process—air in the system makes the brakes spongy and dangerous. This method works best after changing brake fluid—it saves money but requires patience.
I bled my brakes myself last year, and it was quite practical. The key is teamwork: one person pumps the brakes while the other operates the bleeder screw. All you need are a wrench and an empty bottle for the old fluid. First, jack up the car and remove the wheel for safety. Keep the master cylinder topped up with brake fluid to prevent dry pumping. Start with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, like the right rear—pump the pedal, open the bleeder screw to release fluid, close it once bubbles stop, then release the pedal. Repeat for other wheels in the correct sequence. Top up fluid if it gets low mid-process. I recommend wearing gloves—fluid can splash. After finishing, test brake firmness by pressing hard before driving. If still spongy, air might remain. DIY saves money, but beginners should visit a pro—brakes are life-critical. Tool kits are available online, and the job usually takes just over ten minutes.
