How to Bleed Wheel Cylinders

Bleeding of the wheel cylinders on any vehicle should only be done if there is air in the system or the wheel cylinder is new. Wheel cylinders are fitted with a special bleeder valve located at the top of the wheel cylinder. Air is lighter than brake fluid; therefore, when the valve is released, the air escapes first.

Instructions

1

Break loose the lug nuts on the rear wheels of the vehicle with the lug wrench. Raise the car into the air with the floor jack, and place the jack stands under the side rails of the vehicle.

2

Lower the floor jack until the car rests on the jack stands. Shake the vehicle to ensure proper placement. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and remove the tires from the vehicle.

3

Put on the safety glasses. Instruct the helper to pump up the brake until there is pressure on the pedal.

4

Loosen the bleeder valve with the wrench set. Instruct the driver to hold the pedal to the floor. Tighten the bleeder valve and instruct the helper to pump up the brake again. Loosen the bleeder valve again; if only fluid comes from the bleeder valve, the wheel cylinder has been properly bled. Repeat for the remaining wheel cylinder.

5

Place the wheels back onto the vehicle and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Raise the vehicle of the jack stands with the floor jack. Remove the jack stands and set them aside. Lower the car to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.