What you'll need:
* Brake fluid: Use the type specified in your owner's manual. DOT 3 is common, but check your manual.
* Clear tubing: About 3 feet long, to fit over the bleeder valve.
* Wrench: The correct size to fit your bleeder valve (usually 8mm or 10mm). A line wrench is ideal to prevent rounding off the valve.
* Container: To catch the old brake fluid.
* Clean rags: To wipe up spills.
* Helper: Someone to pump the brake pedal.
Procedure:
1. Locate the bleeder valves: These are usually located on the top of the brake calipers, one for each wheel. The front brakes are the two wheels at the front of the car.
2. Add brake fluid: Check your master cylinder's brake fluid reservoir and top it off to the "full" line with the correct type of brake fluid. Never let the reservoir run low during bleeding, as this can introduce air into the system.
3. Prepare for bleeding: Have your helper sit in the driver's seat with their foot on the brake pedal. Attach one end of the clear tubing to the bleeder valve and the other end into your container. Make sure the tubing is secure and won't detach.
4. Bleed the brakes: Start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (typically the driver's side rear, but for front brakes, it is usually the passenger-side front). Have your helper slowly pump the brake pedal several times, then hold it down. Open the bleeder valve with your wrench for about a second or two, allowing fluid and air to escape. Close the bleeder valve while your helper is still holding the brake pedal down. Repeat this process until the fluid coming out of the line is clean and free of bubbles. If you see air bubbles, you'll need to repeat the process.
5. Move to the next wheel: Repeat steps 3 and 4, moving to the next wheel. The typical order is: passenger-side front, driver-side front, then the rear brakes (if needed). This order helps push air out of the system most effectively.
6. Check the master cylinder: Check the brake fluid reservoir level periodically and add more fluid as needed. Never let the level get low.
7. Re-check: After bleeding all brakes, have your helper pump the brake pedal several times to confirm a firm pedal. If the pedal feels soft or spongy, you might have missed some air. Repeat the bleeding process.
8. Test drive: After completing the bleeding process, test drive your vehicle slowly to assess the brake performance. If the brakes feel unusual, you may need further professional assistance.
Important Considerations:
* Brake fluid is corrosive: Wear gloves and eye protection to prevent skin and eye irritation.
* Flush the system: For a more thorough job, you should consider flushing the entire brake system and replacing all the fluid to remove old, contaminated fluid. This is especially important if you've had a brake line leak.
* Professional help: If you're not comfortable performing this task, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improper bleeding can lead to brake failure.
This process might require several repetitions per wheel to completely remove all the air. Be patient and persistent, and check your brake fluid level frequently. Good luck!
