Brake service features a variety of smaller repairs that can keep your overall Kia braking system well functioning. Brake bleeding is one of those options. If you have air trapped in your vehicle’s brake system, you are probably wondering how to bleed brakes by yourself?
It isn’t an overly complicated process, yet it can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not the most experienced or handy with auto related things. For those who want to know how to bleed brake lines, Ken Ganley Kia Medina has put together a 12-step guide for all things brake bleeding. Read on to learn more and improve your brakes along Cleveland roadways.
Why is Bleeding the Brakes Important?
When you’re asking how to bleed brakes by yourself, it might seem like a serious measure, but it’s an important element of your car’s braking system. Over any period of time, your brake fluid’s moisture resistance will start absorbing water. Air can also get into your vehicle’s braking system, causing your brake pedal to feel “soft” or “spongy” as you’re pressing down on it. When you learn how to bleed brake lines, it’ll help remove trapped air, giving the brake pedal a firmer feel.
How to Bleed Brakes By Yourself
If you’re planning to bleed your brakes at home, you’ll need a box-end wrench, brake fluid, a fluid holder and tubing. Also an assistant, or some who is more handy in general. Once you’ve gathered your materials and person, you will have to follow these steps:
Step 1:
Check your Kia owner’s manual and make sure you have the right brake fluid for your vehicle. There’s multiple types out there and it’s important to know which one is right for your vehicle model. The owner’s manual will also spotlight what the replacement intervals are for brake fluid.
Step 2:
On solid and level group, remember to jack up your car and remove all of your wheels.
Step 3:
Find the four caliper bleeding screws and loosen them. If they’re not immediately loosening, don’t twist them hard with your wrench. Instead, spray the screw with penetrating oil and wait at least 30 minutes. Then give it another attempt. If the screw strips or snaps, don’t go any further – Take your car to our service center immediately.
Step 4:
Once the screws are loosened, tighten them once more. Bleeding out your brakes is a slow-as-molasses process and you’ll have to bleed one brake at a time. The other three screws will need to be tightened to avoid air bubbles.
Step 5:
Pop your hood and check the master cylinder reservoir’s brake fluid level. Make sure your Kia has the appropriate amount of fluid. When you’re bleeding your brakes, leave the master cylinder cap unscrewed, but still resting on the top of the reservoir. At the start, you’ll want to bleed the brake furthest from the master cylinder, as your vehicle may require a different order. You should also review your Kia vehicle’s owner’s manual or ask a service technician for guidance.
Step 6:
Secure the end of a piece of clear tubing (About ¼ inches in diameter) over the first bleeder screw. Put the other end of your tubing into a receptacle of some sort, such as a plastic bottle. You can also purchase a cheap brake bleeding kit from any auto store or one online. In either case, your tubing will have to be long enough that you can place the catch container about the bleeder screw’s height. That way, any air that’s captured in the tube won’t move back into the brake caliper.
Step 7:
You will need an assistant for the seventh step. Make sure your vehicle’s engine is off and ask them to pump the brake pedal several times until they start to feel resistance, pushing back against the pedal. Instruct them to keep pressure on the pedal at all times. Meanwhile, open the bleeder screw a bit. Fluid will move the tube and your pedal will start dropping closer to the floor. Make sure the person assisting you tries to apply pressure.
Step 8:
Have your assistant notify you the moment your pedal reaches the floor. When they do, close the bleeder screw immediately. You can inspect the fluid level in the master fluid reservoir. You might have to add fresh fluid at this point.
Step 9:
Repeat the previous two steps at least five times at the same bleeder screw, or until the fluid stream no longer has any bubbles.
Step 10:
At this point, repeat steps 7,8, and 9 on the other three bleeder screws in the correct order, starting with the screw furthest away from the master cylinder and moving to the one closest to it.
Step 11:
Once you’ve finished bleeding your brakes, instruct your helper to apply the brakes, then immediately release the pedal. While they’re doing this, watch the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir. If your fluid is bubbling significantly, there will still be air in the system and you’re not quite finished. If the fluid is moving slightly, it means you’ve bled the brakes fully.
Step 12:
Before placing your wheels back on your Kia, tighten each of the bleeder screws and remember not to use all of your strength. Apply just enough pressure to make sure they’re fully secured.
Get Brake Service at Ken Ganley Kia Medina!
If your vehicle’s brake pedal has a spongy feel when you’re pressing down, it might be time to learn how to bleed brakes by yourself. For those who might not be confident on how to bleed brake lines on their own, reach out to Ken Ganley Kia Medina. Call us at 330-721-9500 or contact online to schedule an appointment with us. You can check out our service specials and save a little more money. If you think it’s time for a new vehicle, browse our inventory and national offers. Looking forward to your visit at Ken Ganley Kia Medina in Medina. See you soon!
