How to Bleed Brakes

If there’s air trapped in your car’s brake system as you drive around Austin, you might be wondering how to bleed brakes to release that air. The procedure is pretty simple, but it is time-consuming, especially if you’re not a particularly “handy” person. If that’s the case, Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram recommend that you schedule an appointment with our service center. Still, knowing how to bleed brake lines is good information for future reference.

Why Is It Important to Bleed Brakes? 

As you drive on Round Rock roads and beyond, your brake fluid’s resistance to moisture starts to wear down, and the brake fluid begins to absorb water. Also, sometimes air can enter the brake system and cause the brake pedal to feel “squishy” or “soft” when you press down on it. Bleeding the brakes helps to eliminate any trapped air in your brake system and makes your brake pedal feel firmer while driving around Cedar Park streets.

How to Bleed Brakes by Yourself 

If you’re a DIY kind of person and want to bleed brakes by yourself at home, you’ll need the right supplies: 

• Brake fluid 
• Box-end wrench
• Fluid holder and tubing
• Someone to help you

Then, follow these steps to bleed your brakes: 

Step 1: 

Check your owner’s manual to make sure you have the right brake fluid for your make and model. There are many different types of brake fluid, so it’s vital to know which is the right one for your automobile. Your owner’s manual will also inform you what the correct replacement periods are for brake fluid. 

Step 2: 

Be sure you are on solid and level ground. Then, carefully jack up your car and remove all of your wheels. 

Step 3: 

Locate the four caliper bleeding screws and loosen them. If they don’t loosen easily, don’t twist too hard with the wrench. Instead, just spray the screws with penetrating oil and wait patiently for about 30 minutes. Then, try again. If the screw strips or snaps, don’t go any further. Bring your Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep to the service center at Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Step 4: 

Bleeding your brakes by yourself is a slow process, and you will have to bleed one brake at a time. When you do that, the other three screws must be tight to avoid air bubbles, so tighten the other screws again before taking the next step.

Step 5: 

Pop your hood and inspect the master cylinder reservoir’s brake fluid level. Make sure your vehicle has the recommended amount of fluid. While you bleed the brakes by yourself, leave the master cylinder cap unscrewed but rest it on top of the reservoir so you don’t lose it. To start, you’ll want to bleed the brake furthest away from the master cylinder, but your vehicle may specify a different order. Check your owner’s manual or contact the service team at Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to verify. 

Step 6: 

Find a clear tubing piece (about 1/4 inches in diameter) and put it over the first bleeder screw. Put the other end of the tubing into a container, like a plastic bottle. You can also purchase a cheap brake bleeding kit from the parts department at Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. The tubing needs to be long enough that you can place the catch container above the bleeder screw’s height so that any air in the tube won’t move back into the brake caliper. 

Step 7: 

You’ll need a helper with this next step. Turn off your car, and ask your helper to pump the brake pedal several times until they feel resistance pushing back against the pedal. Ask them to keep pressure on the pedal while you open the bleeder screw a little. Fluid will move through the tube, and the pedal will start dropping closer to the car floor. Make sure your friend continues to apply pressure to the brake pedal throughout the process. 

Step 8: 

Ask your helper to tell you right before the pedal reaches the floor. When they do, close the bleeder screw immediately. Then, inspect the fluid level in the master fluid reservoir. You might need to add a bit more fresh brake fluid. 

Step 9: 

Repeat the previous two steps about five times total for the same bleeder screw until the fluid stream no longer contains any bubbles. 

Step 10: 

Then, repeat steps 7, 8, and 9 on the other three bleeder screws in the same order, starting with the screw further away from the master cylinder and moving towards the one nearest it. 

Step 11: 

After you’ve finished bleeding your brake lines, ask your assistant to step on the brake pedal, then quickly release the pedal. While they do that, carefully watch the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir. If the brake fluid starts bubbling, there’s still air in the system, and you’re not yet finished. However, if the fluid is moving only slightly, you’ve successfully bled your brakes. 

Step 12: 

Before putting the wheels back on your vehicle, thoroughly tighten each bleeder screw. Again, don’t use all of your strength; just apply enough pressure to make sure they’re secure. 

Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Is Always at Your Service 

If you prefer to leave auto service to the pros at Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram near Georgetown, we’re happy to help! Schedule brake service online, or give us a call if you have any questions. Be sure to check out our service specials for opportunities to save money. We look forward to serving you!