I was replacing brake fluid in my civic today but I couldn't get the fluid to bleed on its own. I used a rig much like Eric the car guy that is just vinyl tubbing that fits on the bleed valve and into a water bottle. Removed lid on brake fluid reservoir and made sure the vinyl tubing was snug on the valve and also the other end of the tube submersed in old fluid.

Every time I loosened the bleeder valve air would come out of the valve. I had to have someone pump and hold the brake pedal so as not to get air in the lines. What was I doing wrong?

kp, you need not reply.

 

Not sure what an Eric the car guy is, but historically you did exactly what you describe, tubing, bottle, fluid, pump then open and close. Sounds like you are doing exactly what you should be. Least i have been doing it that way since 1993 when i read how to keep your Volkswagen alive (published in 1969).

 

Thanks. I have to do it on my other car. Hopefully I can figure it out then. It took way too long to do it with someone pumping while I loosen and tighten the valve.

Also, which order do you think best? Right rear, left rear, right front, left front? That's how I did it but it may be quicker starting with closest wheel?

 

Eric The Car Guy has a Youtube channel with Automotive How To videos. Also a former Acura/Honda Technician.

 

I top off the master, crack all bleeders open a little bit, and let the master gravity bleed. Just keep your eye on your master so it doesn't empty all the fluid.

Then once it is gravity bleed for 10 minutes of so, I then close them all and bleed the back first then the front.