AutoZone Car Care: How to Bleed the Master Cylinder and Brake System

After replacing your master cylinder, you'll need to add brake fluid and bleed your brake system. In this video, we'll show you how bleed your brake system and get rid of air pockets that can lead to spongy, weak brakes. For more hands-on help with your brake system, be sure to visit your nearest AutoZone.
And for more helpful advice, visit: www.autozone.c...
Website: www.autozone.com
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Facebook: / autozone

[@ScottElblein]

I've watched countless brake bleeding videos and this is literally one of, if not the best one so far. It says everything all the others say w/out being long and drawn out, covers (almost) all of the methods, and hits all of the important points for each method. Only thing it missed is how to bleed the master cylinder while it's already mounted onto the vehicle (which is actually what I came here looking for, lol).

[@josea.melendez9631]

It should be using the same metod as the "out off the vehicle metod"🙂

[@GMoney-B]

@@josea.melendez9631 The only thing I can figure that is the difference between bleeding the Master Cylinder when in a vice verses being attached to the brake booster, is that you could maybe tilt the Master Cylinder when out of the car to further get the bubbles out. I guess a second reason would be to see bubbles coming out and see when it finally just pumps pure fluid and no bubbles, which I guess would be great for if you are just one person doing it. Still though, scratching my head though why more people don't just bleed it attached to the car and pump it a ton of times.

[@snowyowl9132]

​@@GMoney-B I think the bench bleeding is all about saving you time. I tried it last night and had to settle for doing it on the car instead. I guess it'll take a lot longer but it might be the best option for me.

[@HerbertAtkinson]

I never had to bleed the master cylinder on any my vehicles I owned only bled all four wheels never had problems.

[@jonathanrayne]

Can't you just pressure bleed the master while it's connected to the booster? Wouldn't a steady pressure of 15-20 psi force all the air out through all the lines if you just release the bleeder screws in order?

[@keitholiver2304]

Breath of fresh air in his presentation...very professional and thorough in his delivery. This gentleman is a rarity in KZbin videos... Kudos to him.

[@justinebanks318]

This man was born for this job.

[@akiamimasen8608]

Justine Banks Yep>.< But if the Auto Zone will kick him out then he will find job at the Old Spice Commercial;-)

[@deedaartyst]

Ha haaaaaaaaaa, like a robot, i dnt know if thats good orrr bad.😆

[@GMoney-B]

I am not expert and just a complete newbie beginner when it comes to simple car maintenance, but really, I've watched 20 lengthy videos so far and this does just about the best job out of all of them in explaining how to do all the steps of replacing and bleeding a master cyinder.

[@MrBigOnion]

I saw other videos but this was excellent and safety was emphasized like choking rear wheels, safety glasses and not wearing jewelry.

[@nickshawn11]

thought this was old spice for a second

[@jimmyconway7554]

lol nice!

[@alexmcgovern2983]

just thought that 2 haha

[@jackoshaw]

I like their deodorant.... It's non-chafing....

[@b1782w]

Hahahahaha

[@rjrayburn]

😂

[@calvindickey4597]

Great video. The information was straight forward. Glad he explained the different bleeding methods. Thumbs up for Auto Zone!

[@avemaria3826]

Excellent job sir! Thoroughly enjoyed your presentation, it was precise, knowledgeable, and to the point. Thank you for sharing.

[@AutoZone]

We’ll do our best to keep making you proud!

[@lakshmandalpadado9066]

Excellent video.Very professional and to the point. Best video on bleeding the braking system I have seen. Hats off to Ozone and the presenter. Let this video be a lesson to all others.

[@Properformancenutritioncom]

This is like the videos we had to watch in shop class.

[@53sindako]

Epic Tutorial , Nice introduction , smooth demonstration . I've been working on my Car for 3 years upgrading the engine and other things . Now After installing my Big brakes Upgrade , I just need to know how to bleed the MC out of air , which i haven't done before . Thanks again for this amazing Video . will bleed it tomorrow morning on a bench before installing it :) Cheers

[@johnpike1552]

The clear eyes guy has nothing on him :) very informative and just what I was looking for! Thanks!

[@viczip6035]

Excellent presentation. Clear voice, scripted in advanced, controlled setting i.e. No wind, delays, offensive language, organized delivery.

[@NETWizzJbirk]

If you don't have the clear tubing, you can push to have fluid shoot out, then just place your fingers over the ports before releasing pressure... Makes a mess on the floor, but it works.

[@bFORCe2003]

Yep...messy but is a way to bleed the master cylinder. However you can direct the spurts of brake fluid down into a drain pan if you're skilled enough. Just dont lift your fingers right off, only lift the tips off for a split second then close back up.

[@doomedalready]

Very good information, also he is a very good clear speaker on steps to bleed brake systems

[@shzjdbdjdjzbsjsj6099]

absolutely great video wish they could show me more videos on step by step instructions but definitely the most professional help i have had so far

[@tougeruzbay]

did he say bitch at 0:33 XP

[@7150285]

lol YES he did! turn on the KZbin caption! It said "bitch"

[@nexusroot]

bench bleeding

[@JBurns-po6fy]

Captions said "Bitch Pleading"!!!!! hahahahah!

[@bsivoljr]

J. Burns yhaha "bitch pleading" bitches be pleading

[@limogesfarmer6326]

Well done video: clear and easy toi understand. And the narrator is perfect: speaks clearly, and and enunciates properly. :)

[@nhostetl]

I had to bleed my brakes with the ABS attached, You dont need the plastic screws. It would help if you guys sold them seperately, thus not having to spend $50 on a new Master Cyl. Tips for people bleeding there master: When you bench bleed your master, you can use the bleeder screw from your Caliper. Simply unscrew, and put into your Mastery Cylinder. Attach a 3/16 tube to the bleeder screw, and put other ends into Resevoir.

[@CecilDSouza]

Professionally demonstrated with confidence and rhythm with no slurring or hesitation. It could have been slightly slower with a few pauses, but it was nevertheless good and informative.

[@thePnoise]

Thank you for the clear explanations...Auto Zone is the place to go.

[@lilmerc007]

Thank You for a professional video for those of us who like to get all of the important points done properly "the first time." Did not know about the "Bench" bleed method.

[@joeyalfaro2323]

My fluid leaked out. Watched few videos. Vise grips help after you strip lines. Snug don't panic, junkyard has your cars threaded lines just cut take off. I used wiper fluid black hose from junkyard.

[@jeremylavoie8495]

The most serious guy ever.

[@ThomasJoseph315]

I wish this guy worked at my local AutoZone. My local AutoZone is so horrible I won't even go there anymore. And for the record, if you do it right, you don't always need to bleed the entire system when replacing a master cylinder.

[@PlayCSChess]

awsome! you the man. Thanks I learned more in 15 min than my whole life, Thank

[@autoshackghana]

Good Video.Thanks..One correction...DOT 5.1 is NOT silicone-based. It is polyethylene glycol based like DOT 3 and DOT 4. DOT 5 however is silicone-based.

[@swedishvolvo3677]

This guy is awesome! But I prefer the friendly help I get at Advanced Auto over the jerks I have dealt with at Auto Zone.

[@JustinCrediblename]

my auto zone is pretty good, IMO

[@Ollegram]

hey now, not all stores everywhere are alike.

[@aboomalacani2732]

Same here. The advance I go to has the best employees. They actually know cars and help me figure out whatever issue I'm trying to deal with. Nothing against any other stores and thier employees. This is simply my experience.

[@sterlingeblair]

best video I've seen in bleeding

[@nunoxaxnnn]

Thank you so much!! I was confused with pump bleeder and you explained very well, I just bleed my brake system. :)

[@Rextrent]

Nice offering of concise instruction/ info for several ways to do the brakes. And now, the opportunity to express yourself, Madonna! Blow off some gripey steam or get creative with some positive vibes. It's your party...

[@louski331]

this guy is really smart i like the way he teaches i learned a lot more than many other teachers great job

[@dtruth6422]

Probably a scripted actor ...

[@acerudee]

good clear easy to follow instructions, a big help for someone like me who is about to do this task for the fist time.....

[@multinaire]

Using clear tubing on the bleeder fittings, this will allow you to see the air bubbles trapped in the master cylinder. Remember, while the M.C. is in the vice and the tubes are submerged in the reservoir with brake fluid, SLOWLY apply full end to end strokes until all bubbles are no longer visible. Importantly: Use Safety Glasses! and have small zip ties, and rags available. YOU DONT WANT THIS STUFF IN YOU EYES !!

[@TheFarfalho]

Really grateful for the video, it helped a lot since I couldn't find a specific one for my car and brake system.

[@davess357]

If you follow the advice in this video, you will necessarily be forcing air through the ABS hydraulic control unit and divorced proportioning valve and metering valve if your vehicle is so equipped. All you have to do is 'pop' the lines exiting the master cylinder to clear the last of the air from them. Air is not going to travel down hill by itself. It will stay close to the master cylinder.

[@leonareyna581]

I have a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, can I bleed the brakes like a regular car or do I NEED to have a scanner? What if I bleed them without it?

[@llewkamiamos6864]

Damn look how shiny that "Shop bench" is! Not sure that I should trust mechanic advice just judging from the backdrop of this video.

[@Properformancenutritioncom]

Llew KaMiamos He’s probably an actor.

[@icemule]

Very good video. Clear and concise. Well done guys,thanks.

[@aboomalacani2732]

When performing the gravity method, you mention all of the bleeder screws can be opened at the same time until all the bubbles are gone. That would be to get the old fluid out, and the new fluid in, correct? Then you tighten all four bleeder screws after the new fluid is poured in the master cylinder and comes out the bleeders with no bubbles? After that, THEN you start the bleeding process farthest away from the master cylinder and make your way back to the closest? All the while, monitoring the master cylinder, adding accordingly to keep it full. Thanks for the video. I'm just wanting to make sure I understand this correctly.

[@robertfarber3583]

Can anyone help me,I got someone to put a new Master brake cylinder on and he didn't bleed it first,should I take it off and do it over??? or can I do it with it on my brakes are semi stopping but it goes to floor?

[@MoBill122]

Thanks for the video. Had to make my own bleed kit, but got it all done in a few hours.

[@jamiem5364]

never pump the pedal before bleeding. that just makes all air bubbles microscopic and nearly impossible to remove.

[@michaelnewsome5283]

So what do you recommend then

[@mfgman2011]

@@michaelnewsome5283 buy a Mityvac hand vacuum pump. Instead of pumping the brakes, let the vacuum draw the brake fluid through the calipers.

[@sabado9869]

on a 2012 sport wrangler unlimited do you need to have the engine running in order to bleed the lines?

[@justinscott3248]

Pretty sure he is reading this off a screen in the back look at his eyes and the way he moves his head when he is leaning on the car

[@phillhuddleston9445]

Probably but it is still good information.

[@Lilmiket1000]

Of course, he is. he's not a mechanic he's just a voice and face to convey info.

[@13aceofspades13]

if I remember correctly DOT 5 is silicone based.. DOT 5.1 IS Glycol based like DOT 3 and DOT 4

[@SD4philly]

thanks for the demonstration

[@AutoZone]

No problem! Glad we could help.

[@dnorris654]

Wow Bruce Bonebrake has really lost a lot of weight.

[@health101DOTorg]

You said that as the brake pedal is being pushed to the floor, to close the bleeder valve just before the pedal reaches the floor. But the person at the bleeder valve won't know when this about to happen, and the person sitting in the driver's seat won't know when this is about to happen, so how are we supposed to know when to close the bleeder valve?

[@crocodile1313]

I agree with you about that and some other issues in this video. It's not a good one IMO.

[@flinch622]

Last MSDS I looked at... DOT 5.1 is not silicone base, but glycol [of several variants]. I did find one odd duck where the base was alkyl ester - maybe a real chemist can take us to school on that? 5.1 can go into a system that had 3 or 4 in it before, with a simple flush. More isn't always better however - there are tradeoffs in dealing with more heat, so think before you pour. From what I've read, wet boiling point is spec'd as a system with 3.7% water content absorbed into the fluid. Compare it to the dry boiling point, and the difference [degrees C] reveals one interesting thing you might not expect: the falloff is bigger the higher DOT spec you use. Dry/wet numbers I found are 5.1=260/180, 4 = 230/155, 3 = 205/140. So while 5.1 might handle the most heat... it might also require more maintenance, if you are driving so hard that you actually need it. Fluids also absorb air, which is a temperature dependant variable amount as to how much might gas out when temps go up. Come to think of it... I hate brake fluid as it is today: no wonder big rigs use air brakes - there is air everywhere you go, even in the middle of nowhere and it all behaves the same.

[@michaelsauer3783]

Overwhelmed a bit.. great explanation ... but most not applicable to the bush mechanic. Thank you

[@iwilldo1982]

Is it possible to push to far and ruin plunger or seals when bench bleeding

[@JerryC25]

This is a helpful video and thank you. But the standing position over the engine while explaining the process is hilarious lol

[@HelloImATeapot]

What about using the ABS bleeding method for vehicles with ABS? Mine has an option to bleed the MC with the OBD tool, is this a good way of bleeding the MC?

[@edward_dizon]

Good job reading the script but hey works for me.👍

[@jimcrawford6304]

Jendy Dizon

[@rayidoniknow6739]

my 2002 dodge caravan brakes was not bleeded. when a job was done now the pedal goes to the floor whould bleeding it work?

[@kirbyloulewis3826]

5.1 fluid is predominately made for vehicles with ABS. Dot 5 will be used with vehicles with stainless steel brake like for corrosion purposes. BMW being one that i know of that uses such brake lines

[@panoramix3192]

This guy is awesome!

[@altonfelix3938]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@vietassassin]

No one mention that Dot 5.1 is glocol-based like for Dot 3/4 while Dot 5 is silicone only.

[@1SmokingLizard]

The angle of the dangle is proportion to the heat of the meat

[@TheJeremy5599]

in the video he says dot 5 and 5.1 are incompatible with dot3 and dot4,however LITERALLY everywhere else i look, says 3,4 and 5.1 are all compatible with eachother. what gives autozone?

[@gacaalvarado1913]

Great Video Guys thanks for posting

[@ralphwhitaker8761]

I replaced the master cylinder than bleed it and than bleed the brakes, I installed new rotors and new brakes with the same old calipers and hoses. I see fluid when bleeding driver and passenger wheel, but when I drive I see smoke on the passenger side and the caliper is locked, I can hear the rubbing. What can be the problem and also what solution do you suggest? Thank you.

[@bottmar1]

How many of you have bench bled master cylinders only to find they don't fit the car? Fit it on car first and then bench bleed it but for me, I'll fit it on the car and bleed it in place as I have for 43 years. That sequence of bleeding wheels in order really is not necessary either. Especially since the front and rear brakes are a separate system in virtually every American car since 1967. There appears to be a lot of book readers on these brake bleeding videos all over You tube.

[@nigelb2679]

great video thanks auto zone...

[@angelf9800]

Question can my Master cylinder be going bad if I don’t have any break fluid coming out from the rear breaks bleeder screw but I do have fluid coming out from the front breaks.

[@pedross53]

the gravity system is safe for a car with abs and esp?

[@alexanderx3554]

Yes, as long as you never let the brake fluid reservoir go dry. Then you'll likey need a computer to bleed to abs pump.

[@edwardpnts]

Great job 👍 very helpful

[@cubul32]

"Does your man smell like this? ... Old Spice"

[@Gnik4144]

So for the gravity method I would have to put my car on ramps?

[@johninmilford7719]

Certainly easier to get to the bleeders that way, but not a requirement. Higher up and longer tubes creates a siphon effect and it can be faster that way.

[@stevebarnes9694]

helpful....stay in the zone... :)

[@brandonblair6868]

This dudes eyes are too intense for a brake bleeding video.

[@jaimeamaya6038]

Brandon Blair right! He should be teaching how to dismember a human body, it would be more suitable to those eyes🤣🤣

[@lexsoft3969]

I am looking a good video on On-Vechicle bleeding at master cylinder instead of bench bleeding. Is the procedure the same as bench bleeding, except we have to press brake pedal to push pistons on the master cylinder ? There are a few videos on it, but they don't show clear and complete process.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

Lex Soft Check out Scotty Kilmer channel. He has a video for on the car master cylinder bleeding. It's called something like 'Pedal too low?' 'Fix low brake pedal'. I've never heard of it and was trying to verify the procedure. I've always bench bled first. I may just bench bleed anyway, but I am curious if the 'short cut' works.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

Lex Soft This is the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/equ2ZYmFf9yHebc

[@lexsoft3969]

Thanks for showing me. Do you have video on how to adjust brake pedal height ? I know the procedure, but it looks like it needs removing the dashboard in order to get access to related parts : clevis and its pin, input rod, etc. I haven't found such a video yet.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

Lex Soft Since I was checking my email anyway, I did a quick Google search. Adjusting brake pedal height is very vehicle specific. Each model has its own procedures specified in the service manual. I don't know your vehicle, obviously, so I'd recommend reading the manual or search online for your specific vehicle. Good luck

[@lexsoft3969]

+LilyoftheValeyrising My car is an old Nissan Sunny 1997. I have service manual that tells the procedure with diagram showing the related parts. But it doesn't how to access these parts, which section of dashboard to remove and the procedure of removing. When I look on my car, I think it needs removal some sections of the dashboard near/under steering column. I have seen a video, on different car, which shows working on brake pedal adjustment. The dashboard section has been removed although it doesn't show how to remove that dashboard section.

[@fabianbernal5078]

It's a great video, I would just add that 5.1 is poly-glycol and not silicone based.

[@maveric0738]

Not all manufactures require to bleed from the furthest back caliper.

[@nayabrasool8700]

Thank you

[@AutoZone]

You're very welcome! Glad we could help.

[@sergebanner541]

Good explanations and Very useful information

[@williamcrazylacyfurmage9953]

On my 67 nova I've owned for 19 yrs "Drums All Around", if i nail the breaks fast they hold, but if I press slowly, pedal goes to the floor, when I pump they hold. then if I let off, then press slowly, back to the floor again the pedal goes. I change out all the fluid last yr. still the same. I've never changed the Master cyc, You think that's the master cyc is the problem?

[@RikterZilla]

Yep. Master cylinder is pitted or piston is allowing fluids to bypass. I had the same deal on a Ford LTD. Changed the master cylinder & it was good.

[@williamcrazylacyfurmage9953]

RikterZilla Thanks, I changed it out yesterday, It seems good now.

[@RikterZilla]

Good to know. Going fast is awesome, but no Brakes is like divorce.. You never want that feeling again.

[@davidbaker7254]

This dude sounds like im in Orientation for a Job in a Hazardous Chemical Plant when OSHA is present

[@mordot13]

great Video...Very good presentation.

[@caseymoore6263]

I have a 2002 Chevy Impala.I replaced the master cylinder.bleed it.went to bleed the brakes.and no fluid comes out.any advice.

[@atye04]

Great video, replacing brake proportioning valve, its a chore. On 01 toyota echo parts arnt available only ebay. So looks like im on my own : / good to know how the usual system works tho, .

[@saginaw60]

Sometimes after a bleed job the pedal has a little bit of sponge. Park the car pointing up hill overnight and this may help. Dont tell anyone, people get very emotional talking about brakes.

[@BOTTLEDZ28]

That wont work if the port sizes are bigger on the master as in my case with my 94 GM truck.

[@duanefleck9901]

Great job! Perfect tutorial!

[@rudyhenderson5002]

Very useful You did a great job. Thanks.

[@JerryHighlights]

0:31 SAY WHAT !

[@ghostman559]

I wish I see this befor I did my brake master I know I still got a lot of air in my system cuz when I brake it go down I need to re do this

[@Junk65]

Great instructor !

[@volkmarmaleika1623]

VERY GOOD VIDEO Thanks

[@sammarshall4276]

BEst video yet,,,thank you

[@Rtkzone]

Yeah. I have just that 5.1 is not silicone based last week when I topup my brake fluid with 5.1 when it should have been Dot 3. Silly me didn’t bother to check. I thought brake fluids are all the same,lol. Anyways, it made read more about different brake fluids and their specifications. I am not a mechanic by the way.

[@huandoan123]

Thanks for clean information.

[@chaserhc2619]

DOT5 and DOT5.1 are silicon-based? Are you sure, I'm not. It's not just DOT5? and DOT5.1 is non silicon-based as DOT3 and 4?

[@conceptsinbiblicalhebrew4866]

Very good; and helpful.

[@zesty2023]

seriously heard "bitch"

[@richfuturebydsk2562]

Thanks a lot . Much support from ZAR - Durban. Rich Future by DSK Clothing...

[@trulymeparker]

The Tiger Woods of brake bleeding

[@2012espectador]

this guy is good

[@nicholasm2239]

Good video