bleeding brake line

I have a 96 honda accord lx w/out abs. I was wondering how do i bleed my
brake lines w/out a pump. I know i need two people. One to pump the brakes.
But where do i disconnect the line to bleed the brakes?

 

Do you know what a bleed valve is and where it is? bob

 

You don't disconnect the brake line; you open the bleed valve while someone
pushes on the brake pedal.

Bearman

 

You can buy a one man bleeder kit from the auto parts store for a few bucks.
This allows you to push down on the pedal and blocks air from going back
into the caliper or wheel cylinder. Basically it is a tube that fits over
the bleeder valve and it goes into a cup filled with a little fluid. It is
easy.

Or you can just gravity bleed like I do which is basically opening the
bleeder until clear fluid comes out.

DAVE

 

The conventional way to bleed brakes without a pump is fairly easy if
you have a helper. There is a bleed nipple (capped with a rubber cap) at
each brake caliper. You need a box wrench and a foot or two of plastic
or rubber hose that fits over the nipple. Clear plastic is best, as it
will allow you to see any air bubbles in the fluid coming out. Put the
box wrench on the nipple first, then stick the hose on the nipple and
lead it into an empty container. Loosen the nipple half a turn or so and
have your helper press on the brake pedal. DO NOT PRESS THE PEDAL ALL
THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. Only press it as far down is it goes during normal
braking. The reason for this is that if you push it all the way down,
the piston will travel into an area of the master cylinder where it
usually does not go. This area usually has a buildup of crud that will
ruin the seals on the piston. When your helper tells you he has pressed
down the pedal, close the nipple and tell your helper to release the
brake. Then repeat the cycle until clear, bubble-free brake fluid is
coming out. Check the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir
frequently and top off with fresh fluid as needed. You absolutely do not
want the reservoir to go empty as this would cause air to be drawn into
the master cylinder.

The normal sequence for bleeding brakes is either right/rear ->
left/front -> left/rear -> right/front or left/rear -> right/front ->
right/rear -> left/front. The service manual will tell you which one is
recommended for your car, but you can use either of the two sequences
without causing any harm.

To simplify things you can put a check valve in the hose you use for
bleeding. That way you can leave the nipple open and do the bleeding
without a helper.

If you want to be sure not to cause damage to the seals in the master
cylinder, a pump is a much better way to go. You can get a manual kind
like http://tinyurl.com/3fdkl for about $30 and it is absolutely worth
it.

Buy enough brake fluid before you start so you don't run out, old brake
fluid can not be reused.

 

im not sure where the bleed valve is? I see two lines from the master
cylinder going down then i havent looked anymore at it. But where is this
bleed valve? Should i just go with the pump kit?

 

so i whould have to repeat this procedure with each brake. With the pump
whould i still have to go to each brake to bleed the line with the pump?

 

Seriously I would just take it somewhere that does this and pay the money.
It isn't worth learning on your own car, especially when you could break off
a bleeder valve or something since you haven't been trained to do this
properly. No flame here just pointing out what might be the best route to
do this.

CaptainKrunch

 

Yes, even with a pump you would still have to do it at each wheel.
Another thing is that if you are not completely comfortable with working

 

the bleed valve is at the break, not the master cilinder

 

http://users.mo-net.com/nixit/leftfronthub.jpg

 

This is the manual for a civic, but gives you a good idea:
http://icelord.net/honda/repair/ServiceManual/CivicManual/pdf/19-6.pdf

 

You need to take your car to a brake place. Unless you can find someone
knowledgable to help you, you're asking for trouble.

Bearman

 

Good advice!

The bleed valve is easy to break off. If you don't know where it is take it
too a shop and spend the money or be prepared to learn about brakes.

It's hard to get a solid estimate from a shop on bleeding, if the bleeders
don't open or break you have to start replacing parts. <Shrug>, that's just
the way it is.
I get a 6 point that fits and tap gently with a small hammer until the
bleeder starts to turn. I have tapped as long as 5 min to get it loose & had
them just not come loose...

The easy way to bleed them is get the bleeders open, put a drip pan under
the wheel and let gravity do it. Don't let the MC run out! 8 times out of 10
this is enough.

 

Buy the little kit. It's $5. has a hose and
a little bottle with a magnet. It makes it easy
for 1 person to do it.