Bleeding the brakes releases air trapped in your vehicle’s brake system, and it’s just one of several smaller services that comprise Nissan brake service. While many drivers choose to schedule professional brake service, you can save on maintenance costs by learning how to bleed brakes at home in Carrollton! Find out how to bleed brake lines step-by-step in the guide below from the Scott Evans Nissan service center, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any further DIY car-care questions.
Why is Bleeding the Brakes Important?
You may have noticed a “soft” or “spongy” feeling when you press the brake pedal. That’s because brake fluid tends to absorb water over time, and air gradually sneaks into the brake system. By learning how to bleed brakes by yourself, you can release this trapped air and get your brakes working properly again. Right away, your brakes will feel firmer and more reliable on the road in Douglasville.
How to Bleed Brakes By Yourself
Before we go over how to bleed brakes by yourself, you’ll want to be sure that you have all the proper tools on hand. You’ll need the right type of brake fluid for your vehicle, a fluid tank, ¼-inch clear tubing, a box-end wrench, and a friend to assist you. You can buy brake bleeding kits at most Villa Rica-area hardware stores, or order one from our Nissan service center. Here’s how to bleed brakes step-by-step:
- Park on solid and level ground. Jack up your car and remove all four wheels.
- Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and top it off if necessary. Unscrew the cap without removing it from the top of the reservoir. For most vehicles, you’ll bleed the brake furthest from the master cylinder first.
- Twisting gradually with your wrench, loosen one of the four caliper bleeding screws. If it’s stubborn, don’t force it. Spray the screw with penetrating oil and wait about half an hour before trying again. Do not continue if the screw strips or snaps! Visit our service center near Lithia Springs ASAP.
- After loosening the screw slightly, re-tighten it. Keep in mind that you can only bleed one brake at a time! While bleeding one brake, keep the other three screws tight to avoid air bubbles.
- Secure one end of your tubing over the first bleeder screw, and place the other end in a fluid receptacle.
- Cut the engine and ask your assistant to pump the brake pedal until they feel resistance, and then keep pressure on the pedal. Meanwhile, loosen the bleeder screw slightly. Brake fluid will travel through the tube and the pedal will begin to push down again. At this point, your assistant should continue to apply pressure.
- Ask your assistant to alert you just before the pedal hits the floor. Then, quickly tighten the bleeder screw. Inspect the fluid level in the master fluid reservoir again and add fresh brake fluid if needed.
- Repeat steps six and seven about five times for each bleeder screw, or until there are no bubbles in the fluid stream. Remember to start with the screw farthest from the master cylinder and move towards it.
- Ask your assistant to press the brake pedal and then quickly release it. Meanwhile, watch the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir. If it’s bubbling, there’s still air in the brake system and you’ll need to bleed the brakes a bit more. If the fluid moves just slightly, you’re done.
- Tighten each bleeder screw and put the wheels back on. That’s it — you now know how to bleed brakes!
Schedule Nissan Brake Service in Carrollton
Knowing how to bleed brakes is a useful skill for any driver, but there’s lots more to learn when it comes to car care. Whether you’re fixing a dent or rotating tires, our team of expert technicians is happy to help. If you’ll be visiting us in Carrollton for service, be sure to take advantage of our service and repair coupons!
