How to Bleed the Brake Lines After a Front Brake Job
Whenever any component is removed from the brake system, air is likely to get into the brake lines. The brakes on a vehicle cannot function ...
Whenever any component is removed from the brake system, air is likely to get into the brake lines. The brakes on a vehicle cannot function correctly if there is any air in the brake lines. Bleeding the brake system is required to push any air out and finish the brake job. The rule of thumb for bleeding brakes is to bleed the wheel furthest from the master cylinder first and bleed the wheel closest to the master cylinder last.
Instructions
- 1
Open the hood to check the fluid level in the master cylinder. The master cylinder reservoir is clear so the level is visible from the outside of it.
2Place chocks in front of the front wheels and set the parking brake. Place a jack under the rear differential.
3Loosen the lug nuts on both the back wheels with the tire tool. Do not remove the lug nuts until the vehicle is raised.
4Raise the vehicle with the jack high enough to place jack stands under the axle. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
5Remove the lug nuts on the passenger's side rear wheel. Take the wheel off and set it aside.
6Instruct an assistant to sit in the car and start it up. Tell the assistant to push the brake pedal down and hold it until told to release.
7Place a rubber hose over the bleeder valve. Place the other end into a disposable plastic container.
8Loosen the bleeder valve at the back of the brake assembly with an open-faced wrench. Only open the valve 1/2 turn. Observe the liquid that flows into the plastic container. Close the valve and instruct your assistant to release the brake pedal. Repeat this procedure until the brake fluid coming out of the bleeder valve is clean and there are no air bubbles in the fluid.
9Check the master cylinder and fill it if necessary. Do not let the master cylinder run dry or the process will need to be repeated.
10Repeat the process for bleeding the driver's side rear wheel. Once finished, tighten the wheels back onto the vehicle and raise it high enough to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground with the jack.
11Loosen the front lug nuts with the tire tool. Do not remove the lug nuts until the wheels are off the ground.
12Move the chocks and place them behind the back wheels. Place the jack under the front cross-member and raise the vehicle. Place the jack stands under the "pinch points" in the doors. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
13Remove the front wheels and set them aside. Repeat the bleeding procedure on the driver's side then the passenger's side.
14Raise the vehicle with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground once the wheels are tightened back onto the vehicle. Once the vehicle is on the ground, ensure that all the wheels are tightened by turning the lug nuts as far as possible with the tire tool.