How to GMC Brake Bleeding
As any driver knows, properly functioning brakes are essential for safety on the road. However, over time air can get trapped in the brake lines, causing spongy or slow braking performance. Performing a brake bleed, also known as GMC Brake Bleeding, refreshes the brake fluid and removes any trapped air bubbles.
Why is GMC Brake Bleeding Important?
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water over time from moisture in the air. Even just a small amount of water in the brake lines can corrode internal components and compromise braking ability.
Additionally, brake pads and rotors wear down as they’re used, creating microscopic spaces where air can enter the brake system. If left unaddressed, trapped air bubbles will lengthen stopping distances and degrade brake pedal feel.
By completing routine GMC Brake Bleeding every 1-2 years, you’re keeping critical brake components lubricated with clean fluid and ensuring optimum braking performance.
Gathering the Proper Tools
Being properly prepared is half the battle when tackling any DIY car repair job. For GMC Brake Bleeding, you’ll need:
- Clear plastic tubing to connect the bleeder valve to a catch container below
- An adjustable wrench that fits each bleeder valve
- A large clear jar or container to collect used brake fluid
- Fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (never reuse fluid)
- Rags for cleaning and to catch spills
- Nitrile gloves and safety glasses for skin and eye protection
It’s also helpful to enlist a friend to pump the brake pedal since both hands are needed to operate the valve and tubing. Having the right tools assembled ahead of time makes the job go much smoother.
Understanding Bleeder Valve Order
Most vehicles have one brake bleeder screw, also called a bleeder valve, located at each wheel brake assembly. To ensure a full fluid exchange and removal of all air, it’s important to bleed the brakes in the proper sequence. This sequence almost always starts furthest from the master cylinder and works inward. A typical order would be:
- Right rear wheel
- Left rear wheel
- Right front wheel
- Left front wheel
By starting at the top and working down, any air trapped at higher points in the brake lines is bled out through each lower connection point.
Performing the GMC Brake Bleeding Process
Now that prep work is done, you’re ready to bleed the brakes using the following step by step process:
- Crack open the appropriate bleeder valve 1-2 turns using the wrench.
- Have your assistant slowly pump the brake pedal 3-4 times, holding it on the last pump.
- Close the valve before the pedal is released to trap pressure in the line.
- Repeat until brake fluid runs clear with no air bubbles present in the outflow.
- Tighten that bleeder screw and move to the next wheel in sequence.
- Periodically check and top off fluid levels in the master cylinder reservoir.
- Bleed all 4 wheels using this process before moving to the next section.
Testing and Troubleshooting
After completing the bleed procedure on all 4 wheels, check a few things:
- Brake pedal should feel firm without holding a spongy feel or losing pressure.
- Braking performance when stopping should feel tighter and more controlled.
- Inspect fluid levels one final time and top off if needed before operating vehicle.
If pedal feel is still not ideal, it may indicate a need to re-bleed problematic bleeder screws. Some common issues encountered and their fixes are covered later in this post. With regular maintenance like GMC Brake Bleeding, you can keep yourself and others safe for many more miles.
Common Bleeding Problems
Even with preparation, things can occasionally go awry during GMC Brake Bleeding. Here are some potential issues to watch out for:
Low or No Fluid Flow
Low fluid outflow at a bleeder screw usually means air is still trapped upstream. Rapidly pump the pedal 10-20 times before cracking the valve to free any air locks.
Dripping Instead of Steady Flow
A loose or corroded bleeder screw O-ring could be at fault. Carefully tighten the screw as much as possible without cross-threading or crushing the seal. Replace if leaking persists.
Pedal Goes to Floor After Bleeding
This likely means air is left in the master cylinder. With the reservoir cap off, have an assistant pump the pedal 30+ times while topping off fluid levels. Any captured air should displace out.
Fluid is Brown or Dirty
Signifies it’s time for a full flush if this brake fluid has not been changed in 3+ years. Contaminated fluid loses lubricity and heat resistance properties.
Final Thought
With some troubleshooting know-how, you can resolve most GMC Brake Bleeding glitches. As always, take necessary safety precautions working with brake components. Let me know if you have any other vehicle maintenance questions!
FAQ
Can I use any brake fluid, or does it need to match what’s already in there?
Use same fluid type as specified in owner’s manual (DOT 3 or DOT 4 usually). Matching fluid prevents seal/performance issues.
How often should I replace brake fluid?
Recommend replacement every 2 years or 20k-30k miles for best results. Some vehicles have alert lights for condition-based changes too.
What’s the easiest way to tell if my brakes need bleeding?
Signs needing bleed include soft/spongy pedal, long stopping distances, pulsating during braking, or burning smell from wheels. Shaking through pedal also indicates possible trapped air issue.
Can I bleed brakes if my rotors or pads are worn out?
Can bleed brakes even with some wear to rotors/pads, but replacing after results in optimal braking power and pedal feel return.
Will bleeding fix brake problems like pulling or odd noises?
Bleeding only resolves air-related problems. Noises could be from worn components needing replacement instead. Pulling often from needing caliper/slide pin attention too. Further inspection advised to properly diagnose issue.
1 Comment
I continue to get air out of the right rear caliper