How do I "bleed the brakes?"

Related Terms :

Caution:

  • Carefully monitor brake fluid level at master cylinder during bleeding operation.
  • If master cylinder is suspected to have air inside, bleed air from master cylinder first.
  • Fill reservoir with new brake fluid (DOT 3). Make sure it is full at all times while bleeding air out of system.
  • Place a container under master cylinder to avoid spillage of brake fluid.
  • Turn ignition switch OFF and disconnect ABS actuator connectors or battery ground cable.
  • Bleed air in the following order (does not seem intuitive, but this is correct for the Xterra):
    1. Left rear brake
    2. Right rear brake
    3. Right front brake
    4. Left front brake

Procedure:

  1. Connect a transparent vinyl tube to air bleeder valve.
  2. Fully depress brake pedal several times.
  3. With brake pedal depressed, open air bleeder valve to release air.
  4. Close air bleeder valve.
  5. Release brake pedal slowly.
  6. Repeat steps 1. through 4. until clear brake fluid comes out of air bleeder valve.
  7. Tighten air bleeder valve to specified torque. 61-78 in/lbs.

If you just change the brake pads you normally shouldn't have to bleed the brakes. After changing the pads the pedal will be soft, pump it 4-5 times slowly and fully.