How Much Does It Cost to Bleed Brakes?
Bleeding the brakes is performed to hydraulic brake systems and is a process where the brake lines are purged of any air bubbles. The presence of air bubbles in the brake system reduces the hydraulic pressure that develops within the system.
How much does it cost to bleed brakes?
The cost of the repair will depend on the car you drive, the mechanic and geographical location. On average, expect to pay anywhere from $25 to as much as $50 for a kit that you can do at home. If you choose a professional mechanic to perform the job, it can cost anywhere from $60 to $215.
A member of Prius Chat asked if $279 was too much to have the brakes bled. Some said it was an okay estimate, but other said to shop around. One member on that same forum thread said he was able to get his brakes bled for $125.
If you have the time and knowledge to do the procedure yourself, there are tools available that you can purchase to make bleeding brakes simple. For example, you can purchase a brake bleeder and vacuum pump kit from Harbor Freight. With this kit, you can bleed the brakes yourself while testing the vacuum systems as well. This kit will work on all vehicle make and models and can cost anywhere from $22 to $26.
Auto Zone, another auto parts store, sells home kits for bleeding brakes as well. One of the products they sell is a brake bleed kit which can cost $20 to $30. If you prefer OEM brake bleeding kits, Auto Zone sells these kits for $30 to $50.
Bleeding brakes overview
Bleeding the brakes is often done as part of a hydraulic repair job and is seldom performed as a stand-alone repair. The only time a mechanic will recommend this repair is if air was somehow introduced into the system. The repair often entails a pressure bleeder, which forces the fluid from the reservoir into the bleeders. This operation, most of the time, will take less than one hour to complete.
During the repair, the vehicle will be jacked and the brake bleeder screw, using a special bleeder wrench will loosen the screw. Placing a small piece of flexible hose over the end of the bleeder screw, the other end of the hose will be placed inside of a jar, which will be filled with brake fluid. As the flexible hose is inside the jar, the brake pedal will be pumped a few times to open the bleeder screw, effectively, showing the mechanic if there’s air in the line. If so, the brake fluid will squirt out. While the brake pedal is still applied with pressure, the bleed screw will be tightened to avoid air from being sucked in and the brakes will be let up to prevent the air in. This process may be repeated until no more air bubbles come out in the fluid and will then be repeated on the other side. Once it’s confirmed there’s no air in your brake lines, the master cylinder will have more brake fluid added and the mechanic will test drive your vehicle.
What are the extra costs?
In some circumstances, the wheel cylinders and/or calipers may have to be replaced due to heavy corrosion, increasing the costs by a few hundred dollars.
How can I save money?
To save money, buying a brake bleeding kit, which can help you save on labor costs. These kits can also be reused for future maintenance. With a friend, you will find that the process is easier than expected. This Dummies guide, for example, walks you through the entire process.
According to our research, it seems as if the dealers charge three to four times more for the procedure when compared to a local mom and pop mechanic. While this won’t be true in all cities, it’s best to get a quote from a local mechanic, car dealer and a quick lube type place.
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