1. Safety First:
- Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Be careful around brake fluid, as it may cause skin irritation and damage certain surfaces.
2. Gather Tools:
- Brake fluid (DOT 3 or recommended for your specific vehicle)
- Clear plastic tubing
- Wrench or spanner
- Small container or jar
3. Locate Bleeding Screws:
- Identify the brake bleeding screws on each of the four wheels. They're usually near the brake caliper or wheel cylinder.
4. Prepare the Master Cylinder:
- Pop open the hood and locate the master cylinder (usually filled with brake fluid). Ensure the reservoir has sufficient fluid.
5. Attach the Tubing:
- Connect one end of the clear plastic tubing to the bleeder screw. Submerge the other end into a small container partially filled with brake fluid. Make sure the tubing doesn't touch the bottom, preventing air from being sucked back into the system.
6. Pump and Hold:
- Have a friend or helper assist you by pumping the brake pedal a few times.
- With their foot still on the pedal, ask them to hold it down.
7. Open Bleeder Screw:
- While they're holding the brake pedal down, use the wrench to loosen the bleeder screw about half a turn.
8. Close and Release:
- You should see old fluid and bubbles coming out through the tubing and into the container.
- After the air bubbles stop, close the bleeder screw while your helper slowly releases the brake pedal.
9. Repeat for All Wheels:
- Repeat steps 5-8 for each of the remaining wheels, starting from the furthest wheel from the master cylinder and working your way towards it.
10. Check Fluid Levels:
- After bleeding, ensure that the brake fluid reservoir in the master cylinder is filled to the proper level.
11. Test the Brakes:
- Gently test the brakes before driving. Pump the brake pedal several times and ensure that the vehicle responds firmly and without any sponginess.
Keep in mind that old brake fluid may have contaminants, so it's generally recommended to replace it with new brake fluid when performing brake maintenance. If you're not confident in performing this procedure, it's best to take your vehicle to a professional.
