How to Repair Buick Brakes

Repairing Buick brakes involves restoring brake pedal pressure. Low brake fluid level caused by air getting trapped in the lines is the most common problem. Since the system is not air-tight, it is possible for air to make its way into the lines. The result is a "spongy" brake pedal. To repair the system, make sure the fluid level is correct and bleed the air out of the brake lines.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and attach the power bleeder to the brake master cylinder. Remove the brake master cylinder cap by pushing down on the cap and turning it counterclockwise. Screw the cap connected to the power brake bleeder to the top of the master cylinder reservoir. The power bleeder has its own reservoir tank with a hand pump on the top of it and a hose that runs from the tank to the master cylinder.

2

Remove the cap on the power brake bleeder reservoir tank and fill it with brake fluid. Then, tighten the cap back onto the bleeder reservoir.

3

Pump the handle on the top of the bleeder reservoir tank to build up pressure in the reservoir tank.

4

Place the 10mm box end wrench over the bleeder valve on the brake caliper. Start with the right rear wheel (passenger side rear). You may have to reach behind the wheel to access the valve. The valve is on the bottom of the brake caliper on most Buicks.

5

Place the 1/4-inch bleeder tubing over the end of the bleeder valve. Make sure it is secure on the valve.

6

Place the other end of the hose into a container that came with your bleeder kit.

7

Open the bleeder valve and allow the air in the lines to escape. Some brake fluid will also be expelled. This is OK.

8

Close the valve once the pressure has been completely released.

9

Pump the handle on the top of the power bleeder again to build up pressure. Then, repeat steps 7 and 8. Continue this process until all of the air is out of the lines at that wheel and then move to the left rear wheel (driver side) and bleed that side. After you have completed the left rear, move to the right front (passenger front) and finally the left front (driver front).

10

Check the brake pedal pressure after you have bled all four wheels and have the master cylinder cap back onto the top of the master cylinder. Make sure that the brake fluid in the master cylinder is between the upper and lower marks on the reservoir tank. Pump the brake pedal. It should be firm and solid with little pedal travel.