How to Bleed Brakes with an Assistant

PARTS AND TOOLS

Parts needed:

Brake Fluid

Tools needed:

Flare Nut Wrench Brake Bleeder Kit

2 more tools. (Show)

Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $41.95 parts only Shop Costs
Est. $177.60 in parts and labor

Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

2 Contributor(s) to this Article

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Park your vehicle on a solid level surface and set the parking brake.

Open the hood and locate the brake master cylinder reservoir.

Using a battery filler or turkey baster, remove the old brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir. Refill the reservoir with clean brake fluid that meets OE specifications (DOT 3 or DOT 4).

Using a floor jack, lift up the front of your vehicle and support it with jack stands. Then lift up the rear of your vehicle and support it with jack stands.

Place a 1 x 4 block of wood under the brake pedal to prevent the pedal from traveling too far.

Locate the brake bleeder valve behind the right rear wheel. The bleeder valve is attached to the brake wheel cylinder or the brake caliper.

Install a piece of clear plastic tubing over the brake bleeder valve and insert the other end into a clear container, filled with 2 to 3 inches of clean brake fluid.

Bleeder closed with tube on valve and running into the container with brake fluid

Have your assistant pump the brake pedal several times and then hold it down.

Slowly open the bleeder valve. After the old fluid and air bubbles stop flowing, tighten the bleeder valve and then have your assistant slowly release the pedal.

Brake bleeder valve open while pedal is pressed to push out fluid

Repeat this process until clean fluid comes out of the bleeder valve and there are no more air bubbles.

Check and refill the master cylinder. Do not allow the master cylinder to drain completely.

Repeat the bleeding process for the rest of the wheels in the following order: Left rear wheel, right front wheel, left front wheel.

Verify that the master cylinder reservoir is full and you have a solid brake pedal. Lower the vehicle to the ground and perform a road test.

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GUIDE CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to all the contributors who helped make this guide better!
catso , roger beynon