What is the method for bleeding brake air?
2 Answers
Bleeding brake air method: Brake pedal pressing method: The person sitting in the driver's seat pressing the brake pedal should forcefully press the brake pedal down and not release their foot. Wait until the person underneath the vehicle has finished bleeding the air, then inform the owner to release before letting go. If there is a significant amount of air in the brake system causing the brake pedal to feel soft, adopt a rapid press-and-release method (similar to pumping air with a bicycle pump). Then, firmly hold the brake pedal down while the person underneath the vehicle begins to bleed the air. Bleeding method: The person underneath the vehicle should wait until the person pressing the brake pedal has firmly pressed it down, then use a wrench to loosen the bleeder valve on the brake caliper to release air. After tightening the bleeder valve, instruct the person pressing the brake pedal to lift their foot and press the pedal again. Repeat this process until the brake fluid coming out of the bleeder valve is free of air bubbles.
Last time I bled the brake system, I realized how crucial it is because air bubbles can make the brakes feel spongy or even fail. First, find a helper—don’t attempt this alone. Gather some fresh brake fluid, a wrench, and a clear plastic hose. Start with the rear wheels, typically the farthest bleeder valve from the master cylinder. Loosen the valve with the wrench, attach the hose to drain into a fluid container, and have your helper gently pump the brakes a few times. Tighten the bleeder valve once bubbles stop flowing. Repeat this process until no more bubbles appear, and remember to keep the fluid reservoir topped up to avoid running dry. Keep everything clean to prevent dirt from contaminating the system. I recommend checking the fluid level weekly and bleeding the brakes if they feel soft. Take your time—work in this order: right rear, left rear, right front, and finally left front to ensure the system is fully purged. Always bleed the brakes after changing the fluid or if the pedal feels mushy. Don’t forget to wear gloves—brake fluid can irritate your skin.