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Brake
Bleeding Technique
 Brake
Bleeding Directions by Baer Brakes
It is a common misconception that bleeding the brakes is done with pressure,
the more the better. In fact, if you were taught the two-man process
there is a strong chance you're under the impression that bleeding is
actually a contest to see how far you can shoot the fluid out of the
caliper! Nothing could be further from the truth. A gentle stroke and
firm but light pressure does the trick every time. The key is to gently
but firmly move the fluid through the system while displacing the air
trapped in it.
Here
is what you will need: a properly sized box wrench and a clear plastic
bleed hose are essential. Good quality, non-silicone fluid is also a
must. In addition, you'll need to enlist the help of a coworker or friend.
Though you may have purchased a brake bleeding tool, either vacuum or
pressure, and are satisfied with your results, approaching this task
as a two-person operation will achieve the best results. |
| 1. |
Slowly
pour fluid into the master cylinder so as not to aerate the fluid. |
| 2. |
Next,
move to the caliper farthest from the master cylinder and attach
the clear plastic bleed hose to the bleeder and open it. VERY SLOWLY
stroke the brake pedal by hand or foot until fluid comes out. Now
close the bleeder. |
| 3. |
ACTUAL
BLEEDING SEQUENCE: |
|
a. |
Have
your partner very slowly, with modest pressure (approximately 25-30
ft./lbs.), stroke the pedal one time until hydraulic resistance
is encountered. Ask your partner to hold at this point with the
same modest and even pressure and notify you that he is "holding." |
|
b. |
Open
the bleeder, letting the pedal go to the floor or until it stops
using the same modest level of pressure, then close the bleeder
again. Notify your partner "the system is sealed." |
| 4. |
Repeat
the bleeding sequence (never stroke the pedal more than one time)
until all signs of air are purged (no bubbles) from the fluid. DO
NOT LET THE MASTER CYLINDER RUN DRY. Check the fluid level every
third bleeding sequence or sooner, depending on the size of the
reservoir. |
| 5. |
Before
moving to the next caliper, take a small block of wood or a plastic
hammer and carefully tap the calipers to dislodge any additional
air bubbles that may be trapped. Then bleed one last time. |
| 6. |
Move
to the location that is the next furthest from the master cylinder
and repeat the above process. Continue until all calipers have been
bled. |
Before
re-installing the wheels, we recommend that all surfaces are wiped clean-including
calipers, hose joints, fittings, and rotors-to make sure they are dry
and free from seepage, dirt and oils.
According
to Baer, bleeding the brakes is one of the most important tasks you
can perform on a vehicle. The above technique will get the job done
in the most straightforward and thorough fashion possible. |
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