One Man Brake Bleeder Instructions

The braking system in most vehicles operates hydraulically. When the brake pedal is depressed, fluid is forced through the brake lines to each wheel. Brake fluid cannot be compressed, but air bubbles in the system can. Air in the brake system can make the brake pedal feel spongy, and in some cases the pedal may go all the way to the floor. When a brake service is performed, air may enter the system and it may be necessary to bleed air bubbles from the system. Bleeding the brake system is normally a two-person job, but with the right tools you can accomplish this task alone.

Instructions

1

Jack up the front of the vehicle with a hydraulic or scissor jack and place jacks stands under each frame rail. Lower the jack so that the weight of the front of the vehicle is supported by the stands and the wheels are off the ground. Raise and support the rear of the vehicle in the same fashion. Remove the wheel lug nuts with a lug wrench, then remove the wheels.

2

Open the hood and remove the cap from the brake master cylinder reservoir, which is usually located near the firewall on the driver's side of the engine compartment. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid so that the level is at the full mark if necessary. Check the level frequently during this procedure and keep the reservoir full as necessary.

3

Locate the brake bleeder fitting on the wheel furthest from the master cylinder, which is usually the passenger side rear wheel. Check the brake caliper for the fitting location for disc-brake-equipped vehicles and the brake cylinder for vehicles with drum brakes. Remove the fitting with a small wrench and clean it with a rag. Replace the fitting finger tight.

4

Push the long clear plastic hose onto the fitting of the lid of the one man brake bleeder until it is fully seated. Loosen, but do not remove, the brake bleeder fitting from the above step one full turn. Push the other end of the hose onto the brake bleeder fitting.

5

Watch the clear plastic hose while pumping the brake pedal slowly several times to expel air and old fluid from the brake lines. Stop pumping the pedal when you no longer observe air bubbles in the hose. Pull the hose from the bleeder fitting. Tighten the fitting with a small wrench.

6

Bleed the other wheels in the same fashion, ending with the wheel closest to the master cylinder under the hood. Top off the master cylinder with brake fluid and replace the cap. Close the hood.

7

Replace all of the wheels and tighten the lug nuts. Raise the front of the vehicle with the jack used in step one and remove the jack stands. Remove the jack stands from the rear of the vehicle in the same fashion. Tighten all lug nuts once the vehicle is on the ground.