Bleeding Brakes By Yourself? Here's What You Need To Know

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While it is possible to bleed brakes without assistance, it does make the job more cumbersome, and leaves you open to accidentally introducing even more air into the system, instead of less. There are several steps involved in removing air and old brake fluid from your vehicle's lines. One of the most reliable methods involves an assistant who presses down on the brake pedal while you're focused on the bleeder valve located at each wheel. Fortunately, there are alternatives that incorporate specialized tools, like those found in Harbor Freight's brake bleeder kits.

If you attempt to utilize the brake pedal to flush out the lines by yourself, you won't be able to open or close the bleeder valve as necessary. For example, after repeatedly pumping the brakes from the driver's seat until the pedal begins to resist, you'd need to hold the brake down, while also loosening the screw to the bleeder.

If that wasn't enough of a contortionist challenge, when the pedal touched the floor (after slightly opening the bleeder valve), you'd need to swiftly tighten the bleeder valve closed. Now, you might be able to accomplish this on the left front wheel, but it's a good practice to bleed all four lines, and often there is an order beginning with the furthest brake away from the master cylinder.

How can you bleed brakes without any help?

There are a few ways you can potentially get the job done alone, and these approaches remove the brake pedal from the equation. Using products like the ABN One Man Brake Bleeder Kit, instead of pumping the brake pedal, you have gravity do the work for you. Essentially, you attach a hose to the bleeder valve that runs into a small bottle with a convenient magnet that allows it to stick onto your wheel hub.

If all goes well, once you release the bleed valve, air and aged brake fluid should run out and into the bottle. But don't forget to keep an eye on the reservoir, ensuring you don't run dry during the bleeding process. Here are the brake fluid types explained, and how to pick the right one for your car.

There is also the option of utilizing a hand vacuum pump designed to bleed brakes. The idea here is that by squeezing the pump's handle, you actually pull the air and old fluid out through the bleeder valve and into a collection bottle. However, this suction method can introduce air into the system if the hose attachments aren't completely airtight.

What happens if you don't bleed your brakes properly?

If you've just finished flushing your brake lines and get behind the wheel, only to notice your brake pedal feels soft and spongy, air is likely still in the lines. Essentially, it becomes a safety hazard because it can take much longer to come to a full stop, and quick braking in the event of an emergency may not be possible.

To understand why air is so detrimental to your vehicle's brakes, it's important to remember how hydraulic systems work. Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid that doesn't compress under pressure. This is why you can push your brake pedal, sending fluid through the lines and into the calipers, forcing the pads to pinch the rotor. However, air, unlike hydraulic fluid, will compress, reducing the available energy used for braking.

It isn't just improper bleeding that might make your brakes feel odd; failing to maintain the proper fluid levels can also have a detrimental effect on stopping performance. Be aware of these signs and causes of low brake fluid.

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