49GS400

iTrader: (1)

Does any one have pics on how to bleed brakes? I changed my pads yesterday and now the brake pedal feels really loose. I need to bleed the brakes but have never done it before. I have searched and read practically all the write ups but none had pics. Any body have some on hand.

jonathancl

How much have you driven since you replaced the pads?

Bleeding the brakes is pretty easy, not sure how pictures will help.

Attach a 3/8" rubber hose to the bleeder valve, insert the other end in a container of some sort. Turn the car On (not running); this will supply power to the pump. The pump will start and stop periodically during the process.

Loosen the valve while someone applies gentle pressure to the brake pedal. When fluid comes out the end of the hose, tighten the bleeder valve. Check your brake fluid reservior, fill as needed. Move on to the next one.

Order: PR, DR, PF, DF.

It's really very easy.

49GS400

iTrader: (1)

Is the valve that I loosen the same valve I connect the 3/8" tubing to? This is the first time that I have ever changed brakes before. I checked the fluid this morning and it was a little below the max. I topped it off and the braking feels a little better.

I only changed it this weekend and have only driven about 20 miles since the change.

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

Yes the one you loosen is the one you hook the tube up to. Theres should be a rubber cap over it. Remove the cap. Slip on the tube. Loosen the bolt. Get someone to step on brakes, or do it yourself and run back to the wheel real quick and tighten the bolt (yes thats what I did...lol).

I repeat the process a few times so that I get as much of the air out as possible. Pump the brakes a few times when the bolt is closed, then repeat bleeding.

49GS400

iTrader: (1)

Does it matter if the reservoir cap is on or off when you're bleeding.? Also, do I just leave the car on while doing all four wheels?

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

I left the cap off because you need to refill it every once in a while....since you are letting the fluid out from the bleeder valves. MAKE SURE you never let the brake fluid tank run dry!!! VERY IMPORTANT. If you do, then you're going to have a hell of a time bleeding out the new air pockets!

I usually don't let the fluid drop less than half of the tank, just staying on the safe side.

Have the car in the ON position on the ignition, but don't start the engine. I think its 2 clicks turn in on the key.

49GS400

iTrader: (1)

jonathancl and JeffTsai thanks for all your help. I will try this this weekend.

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

Oh yea, a final note. Make sure you don't drip any brake fluid on paint. It will eat right through.

I "had" a DIY writeup with pix, but my laptop took a dump on me and all my files were on it. I'm still trying to recover it. I have some brake bleeding stuff on there.

STONER

Here is a good DIY with pictures. It's for an LS but same procedure.

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/brake/bleeding.html