Do I Have To Bleed Brakes When Changing Pads? Pro Advice

As vehicle owners, many of us tend to overlook certain aspects of routine maintenance, often out of fear of complexity or a lack of understanding. One task that often poses a question is, “Do I have to bleed brakes when changing pads?” Understanding the mechanics of our automobiles can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

Let’s break this down and answer this question.

Here’s a quick answer: Yes, you should bleed your brakes after changing the brake pads. Bleeding helps remove any dirt or air bubbles that may have entered the system during the change. This process ensures optimal brake performance, preventing the brake pedal from feeling spongy or causing your car to take longer to stop.

Brake System 101: A Quick Overview

A vehicle’s brake system is a fascinating, yet critical, safety feature that follows a basic principle: it’s a hydraulic system, meaning it relies on fluid (brake fluid) to transfer force from one point (the brake pedal) to another (the brake pads and discs).

When you press down on your brake pedal, this force is transmitted through the brake fluid and ultimately engages the brake pads with the disc rotor to halt your vehicle.

Understanding Brake Bleeding

Now, onto the concept of brake bleeding. When we talk about “bleeding” in the context of brakes, we are referring to the process of purging air bubbles from the brake lines. Why is this essential? Air in the brake system can compromise braking performance because, unlike brake fluid, air can be compressed. When you hit your brake pedal and there’s air in the line, part of the force you’re applying goes into compressing that air instead of applying the brakes, leading to a spongy or less responsive brake pedal.

The Interplay: Brake Pads and Bleeding

Coming to the main question at hand: is bleeding the brakes necessary when changing brake pads? The short answer is: it depends.

In an ideal scenario, you wouldn’t necessarily need to bleed the brakes when changing brake pads. If the brake system is kept entirely sealed during the pad replacement process – meaning no air has been allowed to enter the brake lines – then there would be no need for bleeding. You’re simply swapping one component (the brake pads) for another, and the hydraulic system stays pressurized and air-free.

However, in practical terms, the need for bleeding arises if the brake system has been opened at any point during the maintenance process. When changing brake pads, if the brake fluid reservoir cap is removed or the brake lines are opened, air can creep into the system. Additionally, if the brake fluid level was allowed to drop too low in the master cylinder reservoir at any time, air may have entered the system, and bleeding would then be necessary.

The Benefits of Bleeding Brakes

Although it might not always be necessary, there are tangible benefits to bleeding your brake system when changing brake pads:

• Improving Brake Performance: Over time, brake fluid can degrade and absorb moisture, reducing its effectiveness. Bleeding your brakes not only removes air but also replaces old, degraded fluid with new, high-performance fluid.
• Safety: Any decrease in brake performance can impact your safety on the road. Ensuring your brakes are responsive and reliable should always be a top priority.
• Preventive Maintenance: By performing brake bleeding, you’re contributing to the longevity of your brake system, potentially saving yourself costly repairs down the line.

Bleeding Brakes: An Overview

For those looking to bleed their brakes, here’s a basic overview of the process:

1. Preparation: Start by assembling all the tools you’ll need for this task. These include, but are not limited to, a wrench, clear plastic tubing, a suitable container for collecting the old brake fluid, and of course, high-quality new brake fluid to replace the old one. Selecting the appropriate workspace is also critical. Make sure you have a well-ventilated area, as brake fluid fumes can be harmful when inhaled over a prolonged period.
2. Locate the Bleeder Screws: You’ll now need to find the bleeder screws. These diminutive screws are usually positioned on the brake caliper. Once you’ve identified them, attach one end of your clear plastic tubing to the bleeder screw. The other end should lead directly into the designated container for the old brake fluid. This setup will help you collect the old fluid and keep your workspace clean and safe.
3. Bleeding the Brakes: Now you’re ready to start the actual process of bleeding the brakes. It’s best to have a helper on hand for this step. Have them pump the brake pedal several times to build pressure, then ask them to keep the pedal held down. In the meantime, open the bleeder screw. This action will force the old fluid, along with any trapped air, out of the brake system. Be sure to close the screw before your helper releases the brake pedal to avoid sucking air back into the system. Continue this process until you can no longer see any air bubbles in the fluid exiting the tube. This is your cue that the brake system has been successfully bled.
4. Finishing Up: You’re almost there! Once you’ve repeated the above process with all the brakes, it’s time to turn your attention to the master cylinder reservoir. Check the brake fluid level and top it up if necessary. Now, give your brakes a test. They should feel firm and responsive. This final test ensures that the brake bleeding process has been successful, and your vehicle is once again ready for the road.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of bleeding brakes?

The main purpose of bleeding brakes is to remove air bubbles from the brake lines. When air gets into the brake system, it can compromise the system’s performance because unlike brake fluid, air can be compressed. This can lead to a spongy or less responsive brake pedal.

2. How often should you bleed your brakes?

The frequency of brake bleeding varies depending on the vehicle and the brake usage. However, as a good preventive measure, it is advisable to bleed the brakes once a year or whenever the brake pads or rotors are replaced, and anytime the brake system is opened allowing air to enter.

3. What happens if you don’t bleed brakes after changing pads?

If you don’t bleed your brakes after changing pads and there’s air in the brake system, it can decrease brake performance because the air compresses instead of the force being applied to the brakes. This can lead to a spongy or less responsive brake pedal which can potentially affect your safety on the road.

4. Is it necessary for a mechanic to bleed the brakes when changing pads?

It is not always necessary for a mechanic to bleed the brakes when changing pads, unless the brake system has been opened and air has been allowed to enter. However, many mechanics may choose to bleed the brakes as a part of their routine service to ensure the brake system is functioning at its optimum.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while it may not be strictly necessary to bleed your brakes every time you change the brake pads, doing so can offer real benefits. As always, if you’re uncertain or uncomfortable performing this task yourself, it’s best to consult with a professional mechanic.

Remember, being proactive in your vehicle’s maintenance is an investment. It enhances not only your safety but also contributes to the overall lifespan of your vehicle, making every drive a worry-free experience. By understanding the “why” and “how” of brake maintenance, you are taking a significant step toward becoming a more informed and confident vehicle owner.