Bleeding the @#$%!*# Brakes...

[sifu_scott]

I changed out the brake pads on my '02 Cruiser. In the process, I cracked the drivers-side caliper. So I bought a new caliper, put it on, and now I'm getting very little brake pressure. I'm pretty sure it's because I have air in the lines (damned thing sat overnight without the caliper on and drained out the fluid), so now I'm trying to figure out how to bleed out the brakes so they'll work again. I miss driving my car.

Anyone have any advice on this? I've never done this before, and aside from cracking the caliper (hint: Don't hit the piston with a hammer to get it go back in...I know...I'm an idiot) I did an alright job.

[CREWZIN]

Scott,

Heck of a lot easier with 2 people, if not you need a tube and bottle to attached to the bleed screw. You have to fill the reservoir with fluid, pump the brakes. With tube and bottle in place, release pressure on the bled screw to catch the fluid but there should be someone putting/keeping pressure on the brake pedal. Fill the reservoir back up and repeat the first steps.

A lot easier with 2 people or by using a "kit" ...

Amazon.com: OEM 25036 Bleed-O-Matic One-Man Brake Bleeder Kit: Home Improvement

[Duster]

Really easier with a helper. Even a kid can do it as long as he can reach the brake pedal.


Ask the helper to depress the brake pedal 3-4 times in a row and then keep it depressed.

While it's depressed, release pressure by unscrewing bleed screw a bit and then screw it back.

Ask your helper to pump the brakes again, same thing, unscrew/screw the bleed valve.

Do it 4-5 times or until you see only oil coming out from the valve.

[sifu_scott]

Thanks guys! My wife pumped the brakes, I bled the lines, and now my car stops like it's supposed to! It's no longer un-stoppable! Hooray!

[TedEbear]

And use a C-clamp to press the piston back into the caliper next time but apparently you know this now.

Also, I use a one-man brake bleeder kit I bought from Autozone for around $7. It looks just like the one someone else posted a link to on Amazon. It was cheap but has a lifetime warranty and makes changing dirty brake fluid a fairly simple job and no air gets into the system. If you're doing all 4 wheels start from the one furthest away from the master cylinder and work your way closer.

[aceshigh]

I think most people know this but remember not to let any brake fluid come into contact with the brake pads. The pads will get soaked with the fuid and will become useless. Can you guess how I found this out?

Just my 2c..

[Duster]

Originally Posted by aceshigh

I think most people know this but remember not to let any brake fluid come into contact with the brake pads. The pads will get soaked with the fuid and will become useless. Can you guess how I found this out?

Just my 2c..

Don't let any brake fluid come into contact with your paint too.