Brake Fluid Not Bleeding: Common Causes And Solutions

DIY Brake flushing & bleeding on my Pulsar TeamBHP

Introduction

Brake fluid is an essential component of your vehicle’s braking system. It helps transfer the force created by pressing the brake pedal to the brake calipers, which then clamp down on the brake rotors to slow or stop the vehicle. However, if your brake fluid is not bleeding properly, you may experience soft or spongy brakes, reduced braking power, or even complete brake failure. In this article, we’ll discuss the common causes of brake fluid not bleeding and the solutions to fix it.

What Causes Brake Fluid Not to Bleed?

There are several reasons why your brake fluid may not be bleeding properly. One of the most common causes is air bubbles in the brake lines. Air can enter the brake lines when the brake fluid level gets too low, or when the brake lines are opened for maintenance or repair. Other causes may include a clogged brake line, a faulty master cylinder, or a leak in the brake system.

Air Bubbles in the Brake Lines

When air bubbles get trapped in the brake lines, they can prevent the brake fluid from flowing properly. This can result in a soft or spongy brake pedal, reduced braking power, or even complete brake failure. To fix this issue, you’ll need to bleed the brake lines to remove the air bubbles. This involves opening the bleeder valve on each brake caliper and pumping the brake pedal to force the old brake fluid and air out of the system.

Clogged Brake Line

A clogged brake line can also cause brake fluid not to bleed. This can happen when debris, rust, or other contaminants get into the brake lines and block the flow of brake fluid. To fix this issue, you’ll need to flush the brake system with fresh brake fluid and replace any clogged or damaged brake lines.

Faulty Master Cylinder

The master cylinder is the heart of the brake system. It’s responsible for generating the hydraulic pressure that activates the brake calipers. If the master cylinder is faulty, it can prevent the brake fluid from bleeding properly. Symptoms of a faulty master cylinder may include a soft or spongy brake pedal, reduced braking power, or even complete brake failure. To fix this issue, you’ll need to replace the master cylinder.

Leak in the Brake System

A leak in the brake system can also cause brake fluid not to bleed properly. This can happen when one of the brake lines, calipers, or wheel cylinders develops a leak and allows brake fluid to escape. Symptoms of a brake system leak may include a soft or spongy brake pedal, reduced braking power, or even complete brake failure. To fix this issue, you’ll need to locate and repair the leak and then bleed the brake system to remove any air bubbles.

Conclusion

Brake fluid not bleeding can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem. However, by understanding the common causes and solutions, you can take the necessary steps to fix it. Whether it’s air bubbles in the brake lines, a clogged brake line, a faulty master cylinder, or a leak in the brake system, there’s always a solution to get your brakes working properly again. If you’re unsure about how to fix the issue, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a qualified mechanic.