Many regular vehicle users are faced with a lot of braking system problems. However, a common issue with the braking system is the intake of air. You’ve wondered how to get the air out of brake lines without bleeding?
Bleeding vehicle brakes doesn’t, however, mean the removal of air from the braking system. When the air gets into brakes, you don’t need to panic as it requires a simple solution.
Solving this problem requires certain steps. I will be showing you simple and easy steps to follow to solve this braking issue. Read below the simple steps.
Table Of Contents
Ways To Remove Air From Brake Lines Without Bleeding Them
Step 1: Plastic Tube Attachment
Firstly, you should find a means of checking and accessing the bleeder. It is easier from the front brakes’ back. Use a plastic tube of about 18-inches then connect it to the first bleeder’s tip. Follow the same process for the remaining bleeders.
Get a jar, put a hole into the cap and connect the tube’s other end to the lid. You should, however, do it carefully to avoid any leak. Wrap any item, such as good packaging around the end of the bleeder to prevent detachment from the bleeder.
Step 2: Old Brake Recycling
For safety, you will require putting on a dust mask and eye goggles to recycle the entire brake fluid. This is crucial because the old fluids can pose danger since they are very corrosive. This precautionary measure is a no-brainer when dealing with old brake fluid types.
Step 3: Use New Brake Fluid
To catch any unwanted fluid, it is crucial to use a new brake fluid with the right measurement. In some cases, you may need a helping hand in this aspect. Connect the tube at a far wheel from the master cylinder in the tire’s right rear (RR).
Begin from the right rear and repeat the same process for the remaining tires. Take the cardboard, and put it below the jar.
Step 4: Carefully Run A Check
This step requires you to check everything. However, you should always remember to turn the ignition off before you begin to get the air out of the brake lines. Try to run a check carefully, starting from the handbrake to the transmission. The master cylinder’s reservoir should be full.
You may request someone’s assistance for pumping the brake pedal a certain number of times, for example, 8-10 times while holding it downward. Let the person assisting you during the time be informed that while opening the bleeder, it is important the brake pedal goes to the floor.
Apart from that, the person should hold consistently hold the pedal in the floor direction. If your vehicle has ABS, it can help to determine the type of brake fluid to use. Why? There are differences in the temperature the brake fluid will be subjected to. Therefore, brake fluid will vary as well.
The brake bleeding procedure is very easy with different available tools. Some of these tools are vacuum guns and other related tools. They all make the task easier and fast. Additionally, they help to speed up the required time for bleeding.
Step 5: The Final Part
The final part requires you to proceed to the right rear by carefully cracking the bleeder until you start seeing the fluid popping out. Open it about a maximum half-turn while giving allowing it for about four to five seconds and close it.
You should carefully pump the brakes while also ensuring to fill up the reservoir as well. You should make sure to repeat this process twice to help ensure that to a certain level, the reservoir becomes full.
Also, apply the same procedure you employed to the other wheels. Always ensure that the sequence remains the same, beginning from the right & left rear, and rear front & left front.
It is best to repeat the process thrice when it comes to the frontal wheel. However, this is mostly based on the response and wellness of the car’s wheel.
If by mistake you allow contact between the master cylinder with the air in the piston, it will create a problem, and what does this mean? I fear you will need to start all over again.
Lastly, find out if there is proper closure of the master cylinder’s cap. Ensure to tighten it appropriately if it is not well tightened. After this, it is best to test-drive to find out the effectiveness of the brake line.
FAQs
Will Air Get Out Of The Brake Lines Without Bleeding?
One important question many car owners, beginner technicians, and professional DIYers have asked is whether the air will eventually find its way out of the brake lines without bleeding. The direct answer to the question is No. The brake lines won’t get better nor will air voluntarily get out of the brake lines on its own.
To make the brakes do their job properly and efficiently, you’ve got to take any of the five options identified above. If you allow the air to linger, it’ll form a dangerous bubble, causing a reduction in the amount of pressure your brakes need for optimal performance.
You can opt for any of these manual methods, but the brakes won’t bleed themselves without you taking any action.
While you won’t have to bleed an independent brake line, the common practice among conventional car owners – and I will recommend this to you – is to bleed all four brake lines. Once you open any one of the brake lines, you should ensure you get out the brake fluid from the other three.
By now I’m sure you won’t make the mistake of mixing or using incompatible brake fluid when replacing the brake fluid.
Should The Engine Be Running Before Bleeding The Brakes?
Yes and No. Your car engine needs to be on and running before you can force the brake fluid out of its place using the brake pedal. Else, you also bleed the brakes without having to start the engine. Either way, you can get things done.
All you need to do is to follow the procedures as explained above. The other thing I will say is that you should ensure to bleed the brakes each time you are replacing the brake pads.
How Long Will I Take To Get Air Out Or The Lines?
Although it is a simple procedure that requires no special skill, the speed of the person also matters. Besides, the time it’ll take you to get the air out of your car’s brake lines depends on the skill and expertise of the person handling it. On average, however, it will take 15 minutes per wheel.
Meanwhile, you may notice that the brakes still feel spongy even after bleeding. The main cause of the problem is brake fluid contamination.
When contaminants find their way into the fluid or there’s moisture in the braking system, the brakes may feel soft. The other reason for spongy or soft brakes is a low brake fluid level.
Final Thoughts
I am sure to have provided you with the right answer to your question “How to get the air out of brakes without bleeding.”
While this is a very effective solution, you should, however, watch out whenever you notice a squishy feeling of your brakes. Always remember that braking systems should always be at their best state for effective car-stop.
My name is James. Call me your ‘Born Auto Neighbor.’ I am an auto savvy with a burning enthusiasm to help vehicle owners, auto technicians, DIYer auto caregivers, and drivers like you have a seamless time with your vehicles. Do you own or work on a Dodge Convertible, a Chevy Crossover, a Ford SUV, a Toyota Hatchback, a Honda Coupe, a Datsun MPV, or a Mercedes Sedan? I have enough automotive content to help your auto service and repair on the go.
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