Do your car brakes feel spongy while driving the car? It’s due to the air in the braking system. These spongy brakes could result in a delay in applying the brake. Therefore, it’s important to bleed the air. But what if you don’t have a mechanic on the spot? In that scenario, you must know how to bleed brakes without bleeder valve.
In this article, we’ll discuss different ways to bleed brakes by yourself. So, are you ready to know the best process of bleeding brakes alone? Let’s start
Why is it important to bleed the air in the brake system?
Bleeding the brakes is essential because air bubbles could reduce the efficiency of brakes. Besides, the air in the brake line is also responsible for damage to other brake system parts. You can also face no brake pressure while driving your car.,
So, if you want to achieve the brake system with maximum efficiency, you must bleed the air every two years. But the question is how air gets into the braking system. Well, brake fluid is primarily involved in the entrance of air into the brake system. Here’re the ways through which air into the brake system:
- Firstly, air may enter the system when you open the system to air.
- Secondly, damaged joints, brake lines, and leaks also cause air to enter the brake system.
- Thirdly, DOT Brake Fluid is also responsible for the poor performance of the brake system. It’s hygroscopic and absorbs water leading to a lower boiling point of the fluid. Ultimately, the brake fluid will not perform well.
How to bleed brakes without bleeder valve?
Bleeding brakes without using a bleeder valve require two persons to work collaboratively. Here’re the steps you must follow how to do brake bleeding without bleeder valve.
- Firstly, make sure the master cylinder carries enough brake fluid for the smooth running of this process.
- Now jack up your car. You should be careful while jacking the car to ensure that it will not fall off. Otherwise, you’re putting your life at a higher risk level.
- Remove the car’s wheels in the next step.
- Move below the car to find the bleeder screw. You will find it on the brake calipers.
- Loosen the screws with a wrench.
- Remove the brake calipers
- Detach the brake caliper from the brake line with the help of a plier.
- Dip the brake line into the brake fluid. It could be new or old.
- Ask your partner to pressurize the brakes. Meanwhile, you must observe the behavior of the fluid, containing brake lines. So, what should you expect here? There will be an outflow of the old fluid and the appearance of bubbles.
- Repeat this process until there is no bubble.
- Ensure the filling master cylinder with fresh brake fluid throughout the process.
- Replace the brake fluid with a fresh one in the brake caliper.
- Fix the brake line back into the brake caliper.
- Reassemble the brake caliper into your car’s brake system.
- Fix all the bleeder screws properly
- Fix all the four wheels
- Lower your car using a jack
- Lastly, fill up fresh brake fluid into the master cylinder.
Precautions
Here’re some precautions that you must take for effective bleeding of brakes:
- Refill the brake caliper with recommended and premium quality brake fluid
- Make sure the caliper is not facing down. Otherwise, the fluid will pour out.
- Always stay gentle rather than applying force while reassembling the brake system to avoid damage.
- Never tighten the wheel’s screws.
Six alternative procedures of brake bleeding
When it comes to how to bleed breaks yourself, different ways can help you. For instance,
- Gravity method
- Bottle method
- Vacuum bleeding method
- Pump method
- Hold method
- Pressure method
The method chosen depends on the vehicle you have. However, there are some precautionary measures that you must follow before bleeding air. For example, you must wear protective hand gloves. It will protect your skin from the corrosive brake fluid.
How to bleed brakes with gravity?
Do you have enough time before you start your next journey by car? If yes, take help from nature and let the gravity bleed air from the brake system. It’s the best process of bleeding brakes alone.
So, now the question is, what do you have to do? Follow these steps if you want gravity to bleed air for you:
- Lift the master cylinder above wheel’ level
- Fill the fresh fluid in the master cylinder.
- Start with the right rear and loosen the brake caliper bleed screw, leave it for at least one hour and close the bleeder screw.
- Repeat the whole process on the other rear brake, front brake of the passenger’s side, and driver’s side.
- Wait for an hour for the fluid to drain and top off the master cylinder.
- Close the bleeders and check by pressing the brake pedal.
The process of bleeding brakes using bottles
This method needs a simple tool, a clean bottle jar with a lid, to bleed the air. It is a much faster method than the gravity method. Besides, you also need a hose to fit over the bleeder nipple. Aquarium air tubing is also a good option.
Below are the steps that you must follow for brake bleeding using a bottle:
- Make a hole in the bottle’s lid. Ensure that the size of the hole must be large enough to accommodate the hole.
- Make another tiny hole in the lid.
- Start pouring the fluid into the bottle. Make sure the fluid you pour into the bottle is enough to cover the hose end.
- Hook the hose into the bleeder
- Now top off the master cylinder
- Examine by pressing the brake pedal
- Close the bleeder carefully
- Repeat the process with each wheel, and don’t forget to top off the master cylinder.
How to bleed brakes using a vacuum pump?
So, you don’t have a partner to help you in bleeding the brakes. But, the vacuum pump will never leave you alone and helps you bleeding the brakes fast.
This vacuum pump sucks all the air or fluid when you pull its trigger. You can also use this pump to accomplish other automotive tasks such as EGR valves testing.
This method also works in the same way as the other methods. Here’re some steps to work using this method:
- Firstly, hook the vacuum to the bleed screw hoses, adapter, and catch container.
- Pull the vacuum to suck the fluid or air in the brakes
- Fill up the Master Cylinder Reservoir.
- Close the bleeder valves
- Repeat the entire process for all wheels
How to bleed brakes using the pedal and hold?
This method involves two persons bleeding the brakes. One of them will sit in the seat of the driver and will keep pumping the pedal. Whereas your partner must keep on open and close the bleed screws. So, to sum up; this method involves 4 simple steps:
- Pressurizing
- Holding
- Bleeding
- Repeating the process
However, this method comes with a drawback. You may have to experience a lack of attention in your partner or communication breakdowns. So, it’s better to decide on a better communication strategy before choosing this method to bleed air.
How to bleed brakes using pressure-operated venture?
In this method, pressure–operated ventures help you suck air and fluid from the bleed screw. This venture works in the same way as a handheld vacuum. However, the air drawn with venture moves quickly. A large catch unit and supply bottles help in accomplishing the functions of the venture effectively.
This method also has a downside. It pulls more air than the handheld vacuum.
Final thoughts…!!!
Finally, you know how to bleed brakes without bleeder valve. And guess what, you can do it all by yourself by taking help from your friend. It’s a straightforward process. You don’t need to take your car to a mechanic.
Besides, you are also now well aware of some alternative ways to bleed brakes alone. All the methods described in the article works well. Try all these methods, and then continue with the one that you find the best.