• Bleeding the brake system can be done many different ways.Car Brake image by Joelyn Pullano from Fotolia.com
  
  It is important that there is no air in a vehicle's brake system. Air in the brake system impairs the ability of the vehicle to properly stop and may cause injury to the driver or others. To remove this air, each caliper on every wheel must be bled. A variety of tools can be used to bleed brakes.
  
  

Shade Tree Mechanic tools

• A home mechanic can use a two-person system with simple tools to bleed the brake system. A set of wrenches is needed to open the bleeder relief bolt. Never use a vise grip or adjustable wrench, as this can wear off or damage the points on the bolt. Penetrating oil is applied to the bolt to make it easier to remove without damage. A 12- to 18-inch long clear plastic tube that fits over the drain tip of the bolt is needed, as well as a clear plastic bottle to drain into. Prior to bleeding, it is recommended that you use a small hammer to lightly tap any debris or grease off the area.
  
  

Hand-held Bleeder Pump

• This tool is a single person system that uses a manual hand pump to create vacuum at the bleeder bolt. The hand-held bleeder pump comes with the clear plastic tubing used to connect it to the bolt. The pump is activated by squeezing the handle in a pumping motion drawing out air bubbles and contaminates. The pump does not supply the wrench needed to open the bleeder bolt and the user will have to supply this.
  
  

Vacuum Bleeder

• This is a single person system that relies on vacuum to draw the air out of a brake system. It connects to the bleeder bolt through a clear plastic tube. The vacuum bleeder system is activated by a pump that works like a bicycle pump. The bleeders may have a automatic shut-off built in, depending on the manufacturer. This pump does not come with the tool necessary to open the bleeder bolt and will have to be supplied by the user.