How to Bleed Disc Brakes

When it comes to a cars brakes, bubbles are bad. To help you get all the air out of your brakes' hydraulic system, Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla demonstrates how to:

* Assemble the proper tools and supplies
* Master the art of the two-man bleed technique
* Choose the right fluid
* Ensure safe operation

Connect with Ben Wojdyla:

Connect To Popular Mechanics:

Connect to Car and Driver:

Who says you can't work on your own car anymore? Follow Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla as he leads viewers, step by step, through repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting tips. Got car questions? Email Ben, and he may answer them on the show.

[riptidex]

True story. I just cpmpleted a brake hose replacement, drain, refill and bleed with my wife as the pedal man. After a couple of minutes of "open/down closed/up" and no fluid emerging into the tube I was able to troubleshoot the problem. Apparently no matter how many times you pump the gas pedal it will not force the air from the brake system.

[MasterOfMagnet]

A straight forward walkthrough with no over explaining. Nice job guys. Helped out a lot.

[fatface]

Just finished getting covered in brake fluid for 2 hours and then I hear "this stuff is pretty cancerous" ...thats just fucking great

[henryharrison]

Props to Larry, man of few words. Yet another unsung hero of YouTube "How to" videos. Well done Larry, hope you at least got a lunch out of the deal. "Larry are you ready to
Man, that was stellar! I see an Acadamy award in your future.

[omchunter]

I really like your videos man. I am a Diesel Student at UNOH and a lot of times so far I have watched your videos for a better understanding of some things. Thanks a lot for the little videos.

[OCregulator]

Thanks so much! My first time bleeding brakes. Straight forward, concise & simple instruction. So much easier than I thought it would be. As suggested, definitely have a friend help out. Cheers!

[davidbaltzer]

It doesn't have to be complicated and no, it doesn't require 2 people. If you are changing calipers the key thing to remember is to keep an up-curve in the brake hose when you take it off the caliper.Think of it like the trap in a sink or toilet drain. You will not get air into the system behind that up-curve in the hose because gravity is keeping the fluid at the bottom of the curve. The air can't get in past that point. So all you have to deal with is from that point outward. If you do one caliper at a time, you can just re-connect the hose to the caliper, add fluid at the master cylinder, gently pump up the brake pedal, bleed off at the valve, repeat slightly if necessary, and you are done.

I had never bled brakes before, but thought it through logically as stated above and it worked out perfectly on my 96 Grand Marquis. My brake pedal response is EXACTLY as it should be.

[YezirBoyyy]

finally!!! after 3 hours of roaming, found someone that can clearly explain this tedious process. thanks a bunch!!!

[hollylemons]

Thank you so much for this. I just changed my break pads and you make this video very clear and to the point. Super helpful! 😊

[michaelmclernon]

Well done. Nothing like a two man bleed. Very well described.

[jaimediaz]

AWESOME tutorial. Just what I was looking for. You rock!!!

[runnerninja]

you guys kick super ass man.... the best video in YouTube for bleeding brakes. Suer simple, super straight forward, super thanks guys.

[dillons]

Just sitting here eating a hotdog after messing with brake lines all day and hear "brake fluid is pretty cancerous" ._. 

[nigeldunwell]

Fantastic video I'm just doing my brakes now with my friend very easy to do

[johnmilner]

Pump the pedal 3x’s a and hold then open the bleeder and the fluid moves through the tube, then close the bleeder screw then tell the pedal person to lift up on the pedal. Put a block of wood under the pedal so it doesn’t go to the floor or that full travel may damage the seal in the master cyl.

[dipu]

This is the best method so far I have came across. Done two of my cars. Thank you.

[homesweethell]

As long as you are not getting a 'sluggish' feeling when pushing on the brake pedal, and no lines are taken loose or off when changing your pads, you shouldn't have to bleed the lines. You only HAVE to bleed them if there is a break in the sealed system that could let air in. Air means a break in the pressure, and a break in the pressure means brake failure.

[MinisterInMime]

Man You Are A Life Saver!!! Thanks A Million For This

[jduffy]

Well done man, thanks. I thought it went like this and you confirmed for me....just saved me about $300

[tommytomtomt]

Why is he wearing goggles if he's sitting in the car? Kind of like a COVID mask in the car when you're in it alone😅