Bleeding Your Brakes

Your vehicle’s braking system consists of various components that make sure you can safely stop on Edmond roads. One of those components is your brake fluid. Sometimes, air can become trapped in your braking system, and knowing how to bleed brake lines can be vital to ensuring your brakes are in optimal working condition. Learning how to bleed brakes by yourself isn’t too complicated, but if you’re not sure what you’re doing, we recommend getting a brake service by a professional. Otherwise, if you’re up to the task, you can learn how to bleed brakes today with the service team at Eskridge Chevrolet!

Why Should You Bleed Your Brakes?

Before going over how to bleed brake lines, it’s important for you to know why you should do it in the first place. As time goes on and you’re putting on some serious miles around Stillwater, moisture could get into your brake lines. This is because your brake fluid wears down and allows moisture to enter the braking system. As this happens, air and water will get into your brake lines, causing your brakes to feel spongy. Because of this, it’s important to know how to bleed brakes or get it done at your trusted service center.

How to Bleed Brakes By Yourself 

If you often tackle DIY projects on your own in your Perry garage, learning to bleed brakes by yourself shouldn’t be too complicated. All you’ll need are some simple supplies and items such as a box-end wrench, fluid holder, tubing, and new brake fluid. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, grab a friend and read below for steps on how to bleed brake lines:

1. Ensure you have the correct brake fluid for your vehicle by referencing your owner’s manual.
2. Begin jacking up your vehicle and remove all of its wheels.
3. Carefully loosen the four caliper bleeding screws.
4. Tighten back three of the screws to avoid air bubbles. The brake furthest away from the master cylinder should be the one to complete the bleeding process. However, this can vary depending on your specific vehicle.
5. Check the master cylinder reservoir underneath your hood and ensure it has the proper amount of brake fluid. While bleeding your brakes, make sure to leave the master cylinder cap unscrewed.
6. Attached the piece of tubing over the first bleeder screw. The other end of the tubing can go into the empty fluid holder. Make sure the holder is above the bleeder screw’s height to avoid any air bubbles.
7. Make sure your vehicle is off. Then with the help of a friend, have them pump the brakes until they feel resistance in the brake pedal. With steady pressure on the brake pedal, you can go ahead and slightly open the bleeder screw.
8. When the brake pedal reaches the floor, immediately tighten the bleeder screw.
9. Inspect the master fluid reservoir and add more brake fluid as needed.
10. Repeat steps 7-9 at the same bleeder screw until the fluid stream no longer has any air bubbles. You might have to repeat the process around five times.
11. Once that bleeder screw no longer has air bubbles, follow the same process on the other three bleeder screws and move closer towards the master cylinder as you continue.
12. When you think you’ve finished, have your friend quickly apply and release the brake pedal. While your friend does that, take note of the master cylinder reservoir. If you notice any bubbles in the reservoir, there’s still air in the system and you’ll have to continue bleeding your brakes.
13. After bleeding your brakes, tighten the bleeder screws by hand and put your wheels back on the car. Take note that the bleeder screws should be secure but not overly tight.

Eskridge Chevrolet Has All the Service Advice You Need!

Now that you know how to bleed brakes, you can be on your way to tackle any adventure. From brake services to oil changes, Eskridge Chevrolet is here to help you with all of your service needs. When you take our service advice, you can guarantee your vehicle will run smoothly on Guthrie roads for many miles ahead. If there are any questions or concerns you have, please let us know and we’ll assist you to the best of our abilities!