How to Bleed the Brakes
Your brakes work hard to keep you and others safe while out on the road. This is largely thanks to the brake fluid, which will occasionally need to be replaced. When that time comes, you’ll have to bleed the brakes, too, to rid them of any trapped air.
For Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, New Hampshire, drivers curious about how to bleed the brakes, the team at BMW of Stratham put together this step-by-step guide. Read through, then reach out to our service team for assistance!
STEP ONE: Prep & Safety First!
Before you begin, be sure to have your owner’s manual on hand, so you know the specific brake fluid your vehicle requires. Grab a friend to help as well as the following items:
- Brake fluid
- Box-end wrench
- Fluid holder and tubing
- Work gloves
Turn the car off and park it on a flat, dry surface. Jack up your vehicle, referencing your owner’s manual to find the jacking points. Then, remove the wheels for easy access to the brake system.
STEP TWO: Locate & Loosen the Bleeder Screw
When bleeding the brakes, only work on one at a time, typically starting with the rear passenger side. Your owner’s manual will give you the correct order to work in as well as an exact size and location of the bleeder screw. Once locating the bleeder screw, use the wrench to slightly loosen it.
If you’re having trouble, don’t force it loose—instead, spray a bit of penetrating oil, then try again after a few minutes.
STEP THREE: Pump the Brake
Using the fluid holder and tubing, connect the tube to the bleeder opening. With the engine still off, have your friend pump the brake pedal until they feel a firm resistance. They should then yell, “Pressure!” and maintain their footing on the brake.
STEP FOUR: Bleed the Brake
While your friend applies pressure to the brake, slightly open the bleeder screw with the tube attached. This will force fluid to pass through the tube, clearing the brake of air bubbles and dirty fluid, and the brake pedal will begin dropping to the floor.
You’ll want your friend to let you know when the brake is just about to touch the floor, so you can quickly close the bleeder screw.
STEP FIVE: Check Brake Fluid & Repeat
Once the bleeder screw is tightened, check the brake fluid to make sure it’s above the indicator line. You may need to repeat Step Four a few times until there is no more dirty fluid or air bubbles flowing through the tube.
You’ll then repeat this with the other brakes. Before reinstalling the wheels and lowering your car, be sure the bleeder screws are securely closed and test the brake pedal. The brake pedal should feel solid when you’re done.
BMW of Stratham Can Help With Your Brake Service!
At BMW of Stratham, our service center is fully equipped with the team and technology needed to properly handle your brake service. Whether you need help bleeding the brakes or require additional brake service, our team is here to help.
Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, NH, drivers can schedule brake service with us today.