bleed brakes?

2008 CHEVROLET TRUCK
90,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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GARY EADS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I changed the front brakes, reinstalled the pads. trying to bleed the brake system.
Jun 25, 2017 at 7:47 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,193 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

If you only replaced the brake pads and didn't open the hydraulic system, there is no need to bleed the system. Bleeding only is required if you opened the system and air entered it.

If air has had the opportunity to enter the system, there is a two-step procedure that should be done. Here is a link that explains in general the procedures:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-bleed-or-flush-a-car-brake-system

First, the brake system should be manually bled. You will need a helper to perform this. If you look at pics one and two below, they provide directions for manually bleeding the system specific to your vehicle.

Pic three provides the automated bleed procedure. For this, you will need a scan too that is able to communicate with the ABS module.

Note: If you have a solid brake pedal after performing the manual bleed, chances are you will not need to complete the automated bleed procedure. On the other hand, if the brake pedal goes to the floor or near the floor with the engine running, perform the automated bleed procedure.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.



Oct 3, 2021 at 7:38 PM
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