How to Bleed Brakes

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Brake bleeding is a maintenance procedure that removes bubbles from the brake lines. The brake lines carry hydraulic fluid, which allows you to keep your brakes working well and in good shape.

If you’re someone who wants to do their own vehicle maintenance, brake bleeding is something you can do at home with a few tools. Russell & Smith Ford has put together this step-by-step guide for drivers from Houston, Sugarland, and Missouri City, Texas, who are interested in bleeding brakes. Contact us with questions or to schedule service.

Step One: Mount Your Car

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The first thing to do when you bleed your brakes is to mount your car. Raising the vehicle helps you get to the components you need to bleed your bakes.

When you raise your car, make sure the vehicle is on a solid, flat surface. You want to use a car jack over something like cinderblocks that are not made to hold up a car. The jack should raise your vehicle high enough to get your tire off the ground while the stands can fit under your vehicle.

Step Two: Take off Tires

Use a tire iron to loosen the lug nuts of your tires. When you’ve finished that process, set them aside and carefully remove the tires and wheels. You won’t need them again until you put the tires back on when you’re done—put them in an area that’s out of the way.

Step Three: Loosen Bleeder Screw

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The order in which you loosen the brakes will depend on your specific vehicle. You’ll want to double-check your owner’s manual, which will give you that information.

Use a wrench to unscrew the bleeder screw. If it’s tight and hard to move, spray it with penetrating oil and give it another shot.

Step Four: Add Vinyl Tubing

Put some work gloves on here if you haven’t already.

Get some vinyl tubing and place one end over the bleeder opening. The tubing size you're looking for will be around 3/16ths of an inch or 5/16ths of an inch.

Then, place the other end into a jar or a bottle. When you bleed your brakes, the tubing will remove any fluid or bubbles into the jar, making it easier to clean up after.

Step Five: Open Bleeder Valve

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When you bleed your brakes, you want the engine to be off. Have a partner help you with this step.

The next bit is the brake pedal. Whoever is in the car will slowly pump the brake pedal twice and then hold it to the floor. Ask them to let you know when they do that.

Then, you’ll use a wrench to turn and open the bleeder valve. The combination of the brake pedal and valve will force the air and fluid into the tubing. When you’re finished bleeding, close the valve and have your partner release the brake. You’ll keep doing this until there are no more air bubbles or dirty fluid.

You’ll do this for every brake around your vehicle.

Ready to Bleed Some Brakes?

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