How to Bleed Brakes

The brakes are one of the most important parts of your car. That’s why it’s important that all Forest Grove drivers go in for regular brake service. The brake system is made up of many different parts that all need to be maintained and one aspect of that maintenance is bleeding your brakes. 

Bleeding your brakes releases air that has been trapped in the hydraulic brake system, and ensures that your brakes are as responsive as possible. If you are wondering how to bleed brake lines, know that the process isn’t complicated but can be time-consuming. The experts at the Tonkin Hillsboro Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM service center have put together this guide to help you learn how to bleed brakes by yourself, but don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our professional mechanics in Hillsboro. 

What Does it Mean to Bleed Your Brakes? 

With time, moisture and air can collect in your brake lines. This will cause the brake pedal to feel “soft” or “spongy” when you press it. Bleeding the brakes is a process that removes any trapped air that’s been trapped in the brake lines, which gives your brake pedal a firmer feel and makes braking more responsive. 

When to Bleed Your Brakes

There are two times when Aloha drivers should bleed their brakes:

• When you’re pushing your brake pedal and it feels spongy or soft.
• When you change your brake pads.

In either case, you’re readjusting the hydraulics of your brake lines to make them as responsive as possible when driving in Beaverton.

How to Bleed Brakes By Yourself

Like we said, knowing how to bleed your brakes is actually quite simple, it just takes a bit of time. Make sure to have:

• Brake fluid
• A jar
• A flexible hose
• A wrench
• And a friend to help you. 

Repeat the following steps for each of your brakes to learn how to bleed your brake lines, and make sure to keep your owner’s manual handy:

• Find and loosen the brake bleeder nozzle: This should be located behind the brakes, but refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location. Once you find this nozzle, loosen it with the appropriate socket or wrench.
• Attach a flexible hose to the bleeder screw to vent the air: With one end on the bleeder screw, take the other end and insert it into a jar. Fill the jar with enough brake fluid to cover the end of the hose.
• Pump your brakes: Have your assistant pump the brakes a few times. They will continue to do this for the next couple of steps. If they call out when they’re pressing or releasing the brake, it will make this process much easier. 
• Open the bleeder screw:  By opening the bleeder screw you create an opening for air to escape. Once you open it, have your helper hold down the brake pedal. This should release air, which you can check by watching for air bubbles in your fluid jar. 
• Tighten the bleeder screw: If your assistant releases the brake with the bleeder screw open, it may suck air back into the brake line. So, while the pedal is still being pressed, tighten the bleeder screw. Then allow them to release the brakes.
• Repeat: Repeat steps 3 to 5 until you’ve pushed all the air out of the brake lines and no air bubbles come out into your jar. Then move onto the next brake and repeat the whole process again. 
• Add more brake fluid: Once you’ve bled all of the brakes, add more brake fluid to the master cylinder. 

Voila! You now know how to bleed your brake lines. Remember, if you can’t locate the bleeder nozzle, master cylinder, or anything else, refer to your owner’s manual.

Come to the Tonkin Hillsboro Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Service Center!  

Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn how to bleed brakes, but if your brakes still feel spongy or you would rather a professional bleed your brakes for you, feel free to come to our Hillsboro service center where we’ll be happy to help. Make sure to browse our service coupons, and see whether you can get a great deal. Still, have questions about learning how to bleed your brakes by yourself? Contact us, and we’ll happily answer them.