Tools and Materials

Tools

Wrench
Socket set
Brake bleeder wrench
Jack and jack stands
Turkey baster or brake fluid syringe
Clear plastic tubing

Materials

Brake fluid
Catch container
Rags
Paper towels

How to Bleed Brakes

Bleeding your brakes is essential to keep them working well. It helps remove air from the brake lines so the brakes feel firm and work properly.

Park Safely: Begin by making sure that your car is parked on a flat level surface and that the parking brake is engaged.
Lift the Car: Place a car jack under a strong, recommended point on the car's frame, which is usually listed in your car's manual. Gently pump the jack handle to lift the vehicle off the ground. Make sure it's high enough so you can easily work underneath.
Place Jack Stands: Once the car is lifted, the sliding jack stands under the car. Position them near the lifting points to support the vehicle. Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands by carefully releasing the jack. This will make sure the car is secure and won't fall.
Remove the Wheels: Use a wrench or socket set and remove the lug nuts from the wheels. After you've taken off the lug nuts, pull the wheels off and set them aside. This will give you full access to the brake calipers so you can work on them.

Tip

Wheel chocks can provide extra security to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Caution

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when jacking up your car. Never lift the car at a weak point to avoid damage or accidents.

Tip

Store the lug nuts in a safe place to avoid losing them.

Open the Hood: First, find the release lever inside the car, usually near the driver's seat or dashboard. Pull it to release the hood latch. Many cars also have a secondary release lever on the front grill; check your manual or look online to find it. Then, go to the front of the car and lift the hood. If your car has a prop rod, use it to hold the hood open.
Find the Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir: Look for a small, clear plastic container with a cap. This is the brake master cylinder reservoir. It's usually located towards the back of the engine compartment on the driver’s side. It may have markings such as Brake Fluid or specific symbols on it.
Remove Old Fluid: Take a turkey baster or a special brake fluid syringe. Slowly and carefully insert it into the reservoir and suck out the old brake fluid. Be gentle to avoid spilling.
Dispose of Old Fluid: Pour the old brake fluid into a container with a tight lid. Follow your local rules for getting rid of it, as brake fluid is dangerous.
Add Fresh Brake Fluid: Open a new bottle of brake fluid and use a funnel to slowly pour it into the reservoir. Stop when it reaches the "max" line. Don’t overfill, as it can cause leaks or other problems.
Secure the Cap: After filling, put the cap back on the reservoir and make sure it's tightly secured. This helps keep the brake fluid clean and prevents any contamination.

Caution

Always prop the hood securely to prevent it from dropping unexpectedly.

Tip

Always use the type of brake fluid recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.

Start with the Farthest Wheel: Begin with the wheel that is farthest from the master cylinder. This is usually the rear passenger side wheel.
Loosen the Bleeder Valve: Use a brake bleeder wrench to slightly loosen the bleeder valve on the caliper.
Pump the Brake Pedal: Have someone press the brake pedal several times and then hold it down. This helps push the old fluid out.
Tighten and Release: Before your helper releases the brake pedal, tighten the valve to prevent air from entering the brake system. Repeat this process until clear, clean brake fluid flows through the tube, always tightening the valve before the pedal is released.
Refill the Reservoir: Regularly check and add fresh brake fluid to the master cylinder to make sure air doesn't get into the system.

Tip

Keep a wrench handy to tighten the valve quickly after each pump.

Tip

Always use fresh, unopened brake fluid to avoid contamination.

Check Fluid Levels: Make sure the brake fluid reservoir is filled up to the right level after you've bled all the wheels.
Check for Leaks: Look at all the valves and brake lines to make sure there are no leaks.
Test Drive: Take your car for a careful test drive in a safe area to ensure the brakes are working well and feel firm when you press the pedal.

Regular maintenance of your vehicle's braking system is important for safe driving. By following this step-by-step guide on how to bleed brakes yourself, you can save time and money while making sure your car's brakes are in top condition. Also, if you have ever wondered how much it costs to bleed brakes, you'll realize doing it yourself is a cost-effective alternative.

How Much Does It Cost to Bleed Brakes

The cost of bleeding your brakes depends on how you choose to do it. If you hire a professional, it will usually cost more because of service charges, which can vary depending on where you live and the type of car you have.

If you prefer to do it yourself, it’s a much more affordable option. You only need basic materials like brake fluid, tubing and a wrench, which can save you a lot of money. Plus, if you already have some tools at home, the cost gets even lower. This makes DIY brake bleeding a simple and affordable solution.

Related Tags:

Tools

How To Bleed Brakes for Better Performance