How do I bleed the brakes?

[Motorhead350]

I know the search is my friend, but it didn't give me all the benefits I wanted this time. For what I read here is what I think I need to do:

1. take the cap of the master cylinder
2. take the wheels off depending on what brake I am working on
3. take off the screws (bleeder) one at a time starting with the back right, back left, front right, front left. Now I see that the brakes must be pumped to get all the fluid out and the screws go on and off about 3 times for pressue or something like that and I will need a second person for this.

The Question(s):

Is it really that simple to bleed? Also do I simply put in fluid when the car is dry and pump the brake to get the fluid flowing? Of course put the wheels back on and the master cylinder cap.

How much fluid should I buy? What type? Can I dump the old fluid at Pep Boys? I doubt I can legally poor it down someones sink.

Thanks!

[TJCOX]

Take it to a good shop and have them professionally bleed them, would be
your best bet!
tom

[ctrlraven]

If you've never done it before I would take it to a shop or find someone local that has done it before and have them give you a hand with it.

Once you've seen how it's done before it's quite easy to do again and it helps to have a friend who can sit inside and pump the brake pedal when needed while your bleeding at each brake.

[TiTo35]

I agree with taking it to a shop or asking a buddy in the know. Brakes arent something you want to mess around with and do something wrong. Lawd knows what your next post would consist of. :P:D

[KillJoy]

Put car on jack stands.

Remove all wheels.

Place a small catch container under wach caliper.

Crack all 4 bleeder screws.

Let bleed for 10-15 mins.

Keep topping off the Resovoir.

This is how MANY shops around here do it, and it seems to work rather well.

:up:

KillJoy

[baltimoremm]

whatever procedure you decide to do, just be sure to protect painted surfaces from brake fluid

[TJCOX]

Read your owner's manual about which fluild to use. It can be found on page
203 Under lubricant specs. DOT 3 IS RECOMMENDED OR DOT 4 CAN BE USED!
TOM

[larryo340]

Put car on jack stands.

Remove all wheels.

Place a small catch container under wach caliper.

Crack all 4 bleeder screws.

Let bleed for 10-15 mins.

Keep topping off the Resovoir.

This is how MANY shops around here do it, and it seems to work rather well.

:up:

KillJoy

^^^^^^+1 on the gravity bleed.
Heavy emphasis on the "Keep topping off the Resovoir" part, don't let it run dry.


Plus it's great when no one is around to help you.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I always power bleed or pump-the-pedal bleed abs systems and have never had a problem. But technically aren't you supposed to need a scanner to be able to properly bleed the full brake system including the abs controller?

[Motorhead350]

Put car on jack stands.

Remove all wheels.

Place a small catch container under wach caliper.

Crack all 4 bleeder screws.

Let bleed for 10-15 mins.

Keep topping off the Resovoir.

This is how MANY shops around here do it, and it seems to work rather well.

:up:

KillJoy

Sweet! Sounds great!

Now does anyone know how much fluid I should buy, what type and where to dump the old stuff?

[KillJoy]

Sweet! Sounds great!

Now does anyone know how much fluid I should buy, what type and where to dump the old stuff?


Get a Big Bottle of DOT 3.

If you use the whole thing, you bled them for too long. It really only takes a few mins to work all the air out, but replacing all the fluid is not a bad thing.

I am bad w/ used oil.... I put it in the trash can. :(

KillJoy

[ImpalaSlayer]

just cut the brake lines with a pair of dikes :D

[Spectragod]

I always power bleed or pump-the-pedal bleed abs systems and have never had a problem. But technically aren't you supposed to need a scanner to be able to properly bleed the full brake system including the abs controller?

Yes, if after bleeding them, you still have a soft pedal. I read that in a service manual for the CV.

[larryo340]

I always power bleed or pump-the-pedal bleed abs systems and have never had a problem. But technically aren't you supposed to need a scanner to be able to properly bleed the full brake system including the abs controller?



I always power bleed or pump-the-pedal bleed abs systems and have never had a problem. But technically aren't you supposed to need a scanner to be able to properly bleed the full brake system including the abs controller?

Yes, if after bleeding them, you still have a soft pedal. I read that in a service manual for the CV.

You would need the scan tool to bleed if you replace the hydraulic abs unit or solenoid block.