- Brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4)
- Brake bleeder wrench
- Clear vinyl tubing
- Wrench
- Jar or container
Procedure
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Locate the brake fluid reservoir. On the 1999 Kia Sportage, it is located under the hood on the driver's side.
3. Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir.
4. Fill the reservoir with new brake fluid to the "MAX" line.
5. Locate the brake bleeder screws. On the 1999 Kia Sportage, there are four bleeder screws, one at each wheel.
6. Attach a clear vinyl tube to the bleeder screw.
7. Place the other end of the tubing into a jar or container.
8. Open the bleeder screw by turning it counterclockwise with the brake bleeder wrench.
9. Have an assistant press the brake pedal all the way down and then hold it down.
10. While the brake pedal is depressed, close the bleeder screw by turning it clockwise with the brake bleeder wrench.
11. Continue steps 8-10 until no bubbles are coming out of the tubing.
12. Repeat steps 8-11 for each of the remaining brake bleeder screws.
13. Top off the brake fluid reservoir to the "MAX" line.
14. Test the brakes by applying the brake pedal firmly. The pedal should feel firm with no spongy feeling.
Tips
- When bleeding the brakes, it is important to keep the brake fluid reservoir filled to the "MAX" line. If the reservoir runs out of fluid, air can enter the brake system and cause the brakes to fail.
- If the brake fluid looks dirty or cloudy, it is a good idea to flush the brake system completely.
- Always use new brake fluid when bleeding the brakes. Old brake fluid can contain moisture, which can reduce the boiling point of the fluid and cause the brakes to fail.
