- Wrench set
- Pliers
- Brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4)
- Brake bleeder wrench
- Clear plastic tubing
- Container to catch brake fluid
Instructions:
1. Safety First:
- Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes.
- Make sure the vehicle is in a safe area, with the engine turned off and the parking brake engaged.
2. Open & Close Brake Reservoir:
- Open the brake fluid reservoir (usually located in the engine bay near the firewall) by unscrewing the cap.
- Don't let any dirt or debris enter the reservoir.
3. Prepare the Brake Lines:
- Identify the brake bleeder screws on each brake caliper (one for each wheel).
- Using a wrench, slightly loosen each brake bleeder screw counterclockwise. Be careful not to over-loosen and break them.
4. Attach the Tube:
- Connect one end of the clear plastic tubing to the bleeder screw of the caliper you want to bleed first (typically starting with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder).
- The other end of the tube should be submerged in the container partially filled with brake fluid to prevent air from being drawn back into the system.
5. Press the Brake Pedal:
- Have a friend press the brake pedal firmly and hold it down (or use a tool like a piece of wood to maintain the pressure).
6. Open and Close Bleeder Screw:
- Loosen the bleeder screw by turning it counterclockwise about 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
- Keep an eye on the container; you should see air bubbles rising through the brake fluid.
- While the pedal is still pressed down, close the bleeder screw again.
7. Release Brake Pedal:
- Ask your helper to release the brake pedal slowly.
8. Repeat Steps 5 and 6:
- Continue pressing and releasing the brake pedal while operating the bleeder screw until you no longer see air bubbles and only fluid is coming out.
- Keep an eye on the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top it off as needed to prevent air from getting into the system.
9. Bleed Other Calipers:
- Repeat the bleeding process for each of the remaining brake calipers, working your way closer to the master cylinder.
10. Test & Verify:
- Once you've gone through all the calipers, test the brake pedal firmness.
- Verify that there's no sponginess or unexpected softness.
11. Clean and Inspect:
- Wipe away any spilled brake fluid from the calipers, bleeder screws, and surrounding area.
- Visually inspect the brake fluid in the reservoir for clarity. If it looks cloudy or dirty, it's a sign it's time for a brake fluid flush and change.
12. Refill & Tighten:
- Refill the brake fluid reservoir up to the "FULL" or "MAX" mark.
- Tighten the reservoir cap securely.
- Tighten the bleeder screws back to their original positions.
By following these steps carefully, you can successfully bleed the brake lines on your 1997 Acura 3.2 TL and ensure proper functioning of the braking system. Remember, if you're not comfortable performing brake maintenance or have any doubts, it's best to consult with a professional mechanic to avoid any potential risks.
