It is a real hassle to perform gravity bleeding on your brakes, but it is a necessary task to complete. When you replace your brake line or calibers, it is possible for air to gain entry into your braking system. Once that happens, the brake pedal will feel a bit mushy when you apply pressure to it with your foot. This is a sign that air pressure is trapped inside the brake system.
To fix the problem, gravity bleeding is needed in order to release the air pressure that is trapped inside the system. Most people have no idea on how to perform a gravity bleeding job by themselves. They usually depend on an auto mechanic to perform the task for them. But if you follow a few simple steps and tips, then you can do it yourself and save a lot of money on labor costs.
1) Elevate Your Car
The first step is to elevate your vehicle by using a car jack. If you have an auto garage mechanism to lift the entire vehicle, that is always preferred. Otherwise, you’ll need to get under your vehicle on your back.
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2) Locate the Brake Fluid Reservoir
The brake fluid reservoir is positioned near the brake calipers. It should be easy enough to recognize because you’ll see a cap with a picture of a brake on it and an exclamation point.
3) Add the Plastic Tubing
Now the plastic tubing needs to be attached to the wheel. The other end of the tube should be over the fluid reservoir. It is easier if you use masking tape to attach the tubing onto the roof of the vehicle.
4) Release the Air Bubbles
Use an open-end wrench to open up the bleeder nipple. Brake fluid should come up in the tubing, which is a sign that air bubbles are trying to free themselves. The fluid should stop rising at the top of the tubing.
5) Close the Bleeder
Once the bubbles have gone to the top of the tubing, you can proceed to close and tighten the bleeder. Take the tubing away from the reservoir.
6) Repeat for the Other Brakes
Do the same process again for the brakes of the other wheels of your car.
7) Troubleshooting
Now you should test drive your vehicle and troubleshoot for any problems. Just press your foot gently onto the brake pedal and see if it brakes well or not. If the pedal still feels weird, then do this process over again.
