The brakes are soft and the pedal is low as you stop at a traffic light.This could be a sign that air has entered the brake lines.It may be necessary to bleed your brakes to fix this.This is a two-man job.The result is a tighter brake pedal.
Step 1: You need to bleed the brake lines.
The brake lines need to be bled when the pedal is sinking.It is important to confirm that the sinking pedal is not caused by something else.If you are stopped and waiting at a red light, try this simple test.Keep an even pressure on the brake pedal with your foot.Does the pedal sink a little?If the root cause of your car's brake system is not something else, you should have it inspected by a master auto technician.There is no air in the system if the pedal holds constant pressure.There are other things that could cause a sinking brake pedal.If there is a failing master cylinder or a leaking rear wheel cylinder, the brake pedals can sink.Professional inspection is needed to rule out dangerous possibilities.
Step 2: The car should be positioned on a flat surface.
The cars with automatic transmissions should be in park.The emergency brake should be on at all times.
Step 3: Lift the car and secure it on the jack stands.
All four wheels need to be removed.
Step 4: The master cylinder brake fluid is located in the hood.
The transparent container is bolted to the driver's side of the car.There are metal tubes coming out of an aluminum object.The lines that direct the fluid to your wheels are made of metal.The disc or drum brake components are activated by the brake fluid.
Step 5: The brake fluid in the master cylinder is dirty.
Make sure the Master Cylinder is filled with fresh, clean brake fluid to make sure it's the right type for your car.Ask the parts person to look up your car's brake fluid when you buy it.
Step 6: Remove the rubber dust cap from the right rear wheel and wipe dirt off the brake bleeder screw area.
The bleeder screw can be loosened using a box-end wrench.Take a piece of rubber vacuum hose and place it on the end of the bleeder screw and put the other end into a bottle.
Step 7: While holding the plastic bottle, hold onto the box wrench.
Your partner should pump the brakes slowly until the dirty fluid comes out of the lines.The end of the rubber hose should be submerged in brake fluid.Make sure the Master Cylinder has enough brake fluid.
Step 8: Your partner should hold the pedal to the floor when the brake fluid clears.
Attach the bleeder screw to the wrench and have your partner pump the pedal 3 times.The brake fluid can exit the rubber hose if the bleeder screw is open.When the brake pedal is on the floor, have your partner keep it there while you close the bleeder screw.Two more times, repeat this process.Don't forget to check the Master Cylinder fluid level.After the third time, tighten the bleeder screw and repeat the process on the other three wheels and in this order; Left Rear, Right Front and Left Front.The procedure for bleeding a wheel varies depending on the vehicle.The bleeding sequence will work for a large portion of vehicles, however you should check with a website like Alldata or similar to verify it.
Step 9: When you're done bleeding the brakes, you should perform this test to make sure your brakes are sound.
If your partner pushes the brake pedal while the engine is off, you can check for leaks on all four wheels.Push the brake pedal with your foot.It should travel about 1–3 inches.At this point, the brake pedal should feel very hard.
Step 10: Get rid of surplus brake fluid in a safe manner.
Brake fluid is a hazardous waste and should not be poured down the sink, toilet, garbage, or sewer drain.If you want to look for a household hazardous waste collection site, talk to your local auto shop.
Step 11: All four wheels need to be replaced with hand-tighten nuts.
The vehicle should be lowered to the ground.If necessary, replace the hub caps.
Step 12: You can take a test drive to make sure the brakes are working correctly.
A Master Auto Tech can inspect your car if there are still problems.