- Brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4)
- A brake bleeder wrench
- A clear hose
- A container to catch the old brake fluid
- A friend to help you pump the brakes
Procedure:
1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood of your car and locate the brake master cylinder. It is usually a cylindrical reservoir with a black cap.
3. Remove the cap from the brake master cylinder and check the brake fluid level. If it is low, add enough brake fluid to bring it to the "Full" mark.
4. Attach one end of the clear hose to the bleeder screw on the rear passenger side wheel. The bleeder screw is usually a small, hexagonal-shaped screw located near the top of the wheel cylinder.
5. Put the other end of the hose into the container to catch the old brake fluid.
6. Have your friend get into the driver's seat and pump the brake pedal several times.
7. While your friend is pumping the brakes, open the bleeder screw slightly. You should see old brake fluid coming out of the hose and into the container.
8. Close the bleeder screw when the brake pedal is fully depressed.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 until no more air bubbles come out of the hose.
10. Tighten the bleeder screw securely.
11. Repeat steps 4-10 for the remaining three wheels, starting with the rear driver's side, then the front passenger's side, and finally the front driver's side.
12. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder again and add more fluid if necessary.
13. Replace the cap on the brake master cylinder.
Tips:
- Be careful not to let the brake fluid level in the master cylinder drop too low, as this could damage the brake system.
- If you get brake fluid on your skin or in your eyes, rinse it off immediately with water.
- Brake fluid is flammable, so keep it away from open flames or sparks.
Warning:
Bleeding the brake system can be dangerous if you do not do it correctly. If you are not confident in your ability to perform this task, you should take your car to a qualified mechanic.
