Learn How to Bleed Brakes

The team here at Rocky's Auto Credit can tell you that brake services are incredibly important, and brake bleeding is one of those services. The brake fluid’s moisture resistance wears down over time, leading to a brake pedal that feels soft or spongy. Bleeding the brakes fixes that by removing trapped air, and it’s something you can easily take care of yourself. With that in mind, go ahead and read on to learn how to bleed brakes.

How to Bleed Brakes by Yourself

First up, Phoenix drivers should gather new brake fluid, fluid holder and tubing, and a box-end wrench. You’ll also need an assistant. Once that’s done, simply follow these steps:

1. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you have the correct replacement brake fluid.
2. Park on solid and level ground, then jack up the vehicle and remove all wheels.
3. Locate the four caliper bleeding screws, then loosen them. Make sure the other screws are tight to prevent air bubbles.
4. After loosening, retighten the caliper bleeding screws. This is a slow process, so you’ll need to bleed one brake at a time.
5. Open the hood and check the master cylinder reservoir’s brake fluid level. Leave the cap unscrewed, but keep it resting on top of the reservoir. Start by bleeding the brake furthest from the master cylinder.
6. Secure the end of some clear tubing over the first bleeder screw, then put the other end into a collection receptacle. The tubing should be long enough to place that receptacle above the bleeder screw’s height.
7. Ask your assistant to lightly pump the brake pedal until they feel resistance pushing back. Tell them to maintain pressure, then you can slightly open the bleeder screw. Fluid should come through the tube, and the brake pedal should drop closer to the floor – your assistant should maintain pressure throughout.
8. Have your assistant let you know right before the pedal reaches the floor, then immediately close the bleeder screw.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 around five times with the same bleeder screw until the fluid stream has no more bubbles.
10. Repeat steps 7, 8, and 9 on the other three bleeder screws, starting with the one furthest from the master cylinder and moving to the closest one last.
11. Ask your assistant to apply and then quickly release the pedal. If fluid in the master cylinder reservoir only moves slightly and doesn’t bubble, you’re done.
12. Tighten each bleeder screw, then put the wheels back on your car.

Learn More Maintenance Tips with Rocky's Auto Credit

Thank you for reading our brake bleeding DIY. Whether you’re a Tempe driver looking for information onbuy here, pay here dealerships or you simply want tocheck out our inventory, our team can help. Feel free tocontact us today. For everything from learning how to bleed brake lines to explaining premium vs. regular gas, we’re here for you!