How to Bleed Brake Lines

As a driver on Auburn roads, having a brake system that functions properly is crucial for your safety and the safety of others. This entails keeping up with vital maintenance like brake bleeding. If there’s air trapped in your car’s brake system, brake bleeding will release it. While this process isn’t too complicated, it can be time-consuming if it’s your first time doing this service.

Read this guide by the service experts at Sunset Kia of Auburn to learn how to bleed brakes by yourself. And remember, you can always schedule an appointment at our service center near Federal Way if you’d like for our certified technicians to take care of the job for you. When you work with us, not only can you expect top-tier automotive service, but you can also look forward to our in-house perks such asWarranty Protection for Life and Oil Changes for Life!

Why is it Important to Bleed Brakes?

Why do you need to bleed brakes? As you drive throughout the Sumner area, your brake fluid’s moisture resistance wears down, causing the fluid to start absorbing water. Air can also enter the brake system, which gives the brake pedal a “soft” or “spongy” feeling when you press it. In turn, bleeding brakes removes trapped air and gives your brake pedal a firmer feeling.

How to Bleed Brakes by Yourself

If you want to bleed your brakes at home, you’ll need an assistant and the following materials: brake fluid, a box-end wrench, a fluid holder, and tubing. Once you’ve gathered these materials, follow these steps:

Step 1:

Check your owner’s manual to verify that you have the correct brake fluid, as there are many different types. Your owner’s manual will also detail the required brake fluid replacement intervals for your vehicle.

Step 2:

Jack up your car on solid and level ground. Then, remove all of the wheels.

Step 3:

Locate the four caliper bleeding screws and loosen them. (If they don’t loosen right away, do not twist hard with the wrench. Instead, spray the screw with penetrating oil and wait about 30 minutes. Then, give it another try. If the screw strips or snaps, don’t go any further — bring your car to our service center ASAP.)

Step 4:

After the screws are loosened, tighten them again. Bleeding brakes is a slow process, and you’ll need to bleed one brake at a time. The other three screws have to be tight in order to avoid air bubbles.

Step 5:

Pop the hood and check the master cylinder reservoir’s brake fluid level. Make sure your car has the appropriate amount of fluid. While you’re bleeding the brakes, leave the master cylinder cap unscrewed but still resting on top of the reservoir. To start, you’ll want to bleed the brake furthest from the master cylinder. However, make sure to check our owner’s manual as your vehicle may require a specific order.

Step 6:

Secure the end of a piece of clear tubing (about 1/4 inches in diameter) over the first bleeder screw. Put the other end of the tubing into a receptacle of some sort, such as a plastic bottle. You can also purchase a cheap brake bleeding kit from any auto store — or order one online — that will have these items. In any case, the tubing needs to be long enough that you can place the catch container above the bleeder screw’s height. This way, any air caught in the tube won’t move back into the brake caliper.

Step 7:

Your assistant will need to step in for this step. Make sure the car engine is off, and ask your assistant to pump the brake pedal several times until they feel resistance pushing back against the pedal. Tell them to keep pressure on the pedal. Meanwhile, open the bleeder screw a bit. Fluid will move through the tube and the pedal will start dropping closer to the floor. Make sure your assistant continues to apply pressure.

Step 8:

Have your helper notify you immediately before the pedal reaches the floor. When they do, close the bleeder screw right away. Then, inspect the fluid level in the master fluid reservoir. You may need to add fresh fluid.

Step 9:

Repeat the previous two steps about five times at the same bleeder screw, or until the fluid stream no longer has any bubbles.

Step 10:

Repeat steps 7, 8, and 9 on the other three bleeder screws in the correct order — starting with the screw further away from the master cylinder and moving to the one closest to it.

Step 11:

After you’ve finished bleeding your brakes, instruct your helper to apply the brakes, then quickly release the pedal. Watch the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir, and if the fluid is bubbling significantly, there’s still air in the system. However, if the fluid is moving only slightly, you’ve bled the brakes fully.

Step 12:

Tighten each of the bleeder screws before putting all of the wheels back on. Again, you only have to apply enough pressure to make sure they’re secure.

Receive Expert and Affordable Brake Service at Sunset Kia of Auburn

If you have any additional questions about how to bleed brake lines, or you’d prefer the professionals at Sunset Kia of Auburn to do it for you, give us a call at (253) 321-5773. We look forward to working with you!