How to Bleed Brakes By Yourself

When you get your brakes serviced near Arlington, don’t expect brake replacement to be the only important matter. Brake bleeding is a smaller-scale repair that will help fine-tune your brake system.

Do the brakes in your vehicle feel like there’s air trapped inside? Brake bleeding will help. While the process is simple, it can be a lengthy process. Nonetheless, if you want to learn how to bleed brakes by yourself here’s a quick step-by-step guide. Remember, you can also schedule service at Alexandria Volkswagen with one of our professionals.

How to Bleed Brakes & Brake Lines

Wondering how to bleed brake lines by yourself? Before you begin, you’ll need the following items:

• Brake fluid
• A box-end wrench
• A fluid holder and plastic tubing
• An assistant to help, preferably from nearby Washington D.C.

Now, follow these steps on how to bleed your brakes:

Step 1

Lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Remove the wheels from your vehicle.

Step 2

Locate the four caliper bleeding screws. Carefully loosen them, using oil if necessary. Make sure to tighten the screws loosened as each brake needs to be bled one at a time. Start with the brake furthest from the master cylinder and work your way towards it. The sequence usually goes from front to rear.

Step 3

Attach one end of the plastic tubing to the caliper bleeder valve and place the other end in a receptacle to catch the old brake fluid.

Step 4

With a wrench, carefully open the bleeder valve. Have a friend or assistant slowly press the brake pedal on your vehicle and pump it until resistance is felt. Keep applying pressure to the petal. Close the valve before your friend releases the pedal.

Step 5

Repeat the process a couple of times at the same bleeder screw until you see no bubbles in the fluid stream. Then repeat the above steps on the other three bleeder screws in the correct order — starting with the screw furthest away from the master cylinder. Tighten the screws once the process is complete.

Get Full Brake Service Near Alexandria With Alexandria Volkswagen Today!

Still unsure how to bleed brakes? Take advantage of the best brake service at Alexandria Volkswagen, where you can ask about our high quality brake pad replacement service or get answers to general questions like how long car brakes last? Best of all, you can now get this dealership-quality maintenance and repair without ever leaving your home or work. With Volkswagen Mobile Service, a certified mobile mechanic will come directly to you, making car care effortless and hassle-free. Schedule an appointment online or call us today to book your mobile service!