How to Bleed Your Brakes Yourself In 12 Easy Steps

Brakes are the most essential yet sensitive part of your vehicle that need to be in good condition all the time. If your vehicle brakes feel spongy, check the master cylinder and clipper pistons. If both of them are fine, then you must check the brake fluid. Air pockets in the brake fluid can cause spongy brakes and you can remove these air pockets by bleeding your brakes. You might be frustrated that it would be an additional expense. But, thankfully you can do it yourself or with your friend or a guy at home. This blog post will help you bleed your brakes yourself in the easiest way possible without fancy tools and where you can find quality brake parts at affordable prices in Canada. Let’s get into it.

Why Brakes Become Spongy?

Before jumping into the best ways to bleed brakes, let’s understand what causes spongy brakes. Brake fluids are usually hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water quickly. You might be wondering how water can enter a closed system and how it can affect the braking performance of a vehicle. Learn more about the importance of proper brake maintenance and why it matters

As we mentioned above brake fluid is hygroscopic it absorbs water from surroundings and mixes up with fluid. Water has a lower boiling point than braking fluid. So, when friction heats up both water boil faster and evaporates quickly leaving behind air pockets. These air pockets lead to weak and spongy brakes and can only be corrected by bleeding. How to prevent brake rotor warping

What Tools and Materials Needed to Bleed the Brake?

• Brake bleeder wrench
• Clear plastic tubing (¼-inch diameter)
• Catch container (e.g., a glass jar or plastic bottle)
• Brake fluid (make sure it's the correct type for your vehicle)
• An assistant (to help pump the brake pedal)

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How to Bleed Your Brakes: Step-by-Step Guide

Bleeding your car brakes is easier than you think. All you need is to read and follow these steps till the end:

1. First of all, safely lift your vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands. Ensure you have enough space to work underneath. You can remove the wheels if necessary to access the brake components more easily.
2. Now you need to find the little nozzle called a brake bleeder screw that’s located behind each of your brakes.

3. Use a brake bleeder wrench to gently loosen each bleeder screw. If the screw is stuck, apply penetrating oil and let it sit for about 30 minutes before attempting again. Do not force it, as this could break the screw.

4. Open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. Add fresh brake fluid if it’s below the "full" line, keeping in mind that different vehicles require specific types of fluid. So, it is better to check what type of fluid suits your car.

5. Fit one end of the clear plastic tubing over the bleeder screw and place the other end into your catch container, ensuring it is submerged in brake fluid to prevent air from re-entering.

6. Have your friend or assistant pump the brake pedal several times until they feel solid resistance, then instruct them to hold it down firmly and call out "Pressure!"

7. While your assistant maintains pressure on the pedal, open the bleeder screw slightly (about a quarter turn). Fluid will flow through the tubing, and you should see air bubbles if any are present in the system.

8. Just before your assistant's foot reaches the floor, instruct them to call out "Floor!" Quickly close the bleeder screw to prevent air from being sucked back into the system.

9. After closing the bleeder screw, check the master cylinder reservoir again and add more fluid if necessary to keep it topped up throughout this process.

10. Repeat steps 6 through 9 at least five times for each wheel until you see a steady stream of fluid without air bubbles coming through the tubing.

11. Generally, start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (usually right rear), then move to left rear, right front, and finally left front. However, consult your vehicle's manual for specific instructions regarding your car model.

12. Once all wheels have been bled, ensure all bleeder screws are tightened securely but not overly tight to avoid damage. Reinstall any wheels removed and lower your vehicle safely.

FAQs

• What is the correct order to bleed your brakes?The order on most cars begins with the passenger rear brake first, then the driver rear, then the passenger front, and finishing with the driver front. 
• How do I know if my brakes need bleeding?If your brakes feel spongy and not firm then they need bleeding.
• How often should I bleed my brake fluid?For routine maintenance, it can vary from 20,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the carmaker. However, you should bleed the brakes any time you work on the hydraulic part of the brake system for the longevity of your brakes.
• Can I bleed brake fluid without a vacuum pump?Yes, it’s possible, pump is not necessary. You can gravity bleed the brake fluid, and Geobrakes have kits for it.
• How many pedal presses are required to bleed brakes?Normally, you should press the pedal at least three times to bleed the brakes. If you still notice the bubbles in Jar then you should press it more times.

Conclusion

Bleeding your brakes can significantly improve their responsiveness and safety. Following this step-by-step guide will help you perform this essential maintenance task effectively and confidently. Always prioritize safety by using proper tools and working in a well-ventilated area. If you are looking for new brakes at affordable prices, shop brakes in Canada at Geobrakes and enjoy free shipping on orders above $99.