The Bloody Truth: Bleeding Corvette Brakes

Your brake system is an important part of your Corvette. Proper maintenance, including bleeding the brakes from time to time, will keep your Corvette operating smoothly and keep you safe! Mid America Motorworks reviews the options available for bleeding brakes to ensure that you have the most success to keep your Corvette rolling – and stopping – for miles down the road.

Why Bleed Brakes?

As brake pads wear thinner, the distance they need to travel to engage with the rotors increases. As time passes on, each set of brake pads wears down and more brake fluid is needed to engage them. As the brake fluid levels drop, air fills the void created in the master cylinder. That air will reduce the hydraulic pressure of your brakes, causing them to feel soft. If your brake pedal is frequently at the floor, even at slow speeds or full stops, you probably have air in your brake lines.

Brake Bleeding Methods

The process of bleeding brakes is performed by forcing clean, bubble-free brake fluid through the entire system. There are a few different methods that can be used to get the job done.

2-Man Pump & Hold Method

Using this method, one person sits in the driver seat, pumping the brakes a few times and then holding the brake pedal down. The other person opens the brake bleeder valve to let out brake fluid and air. A clear tube is often attached to the bleeder valve and run into a container to offer a better view of the fluid and bubbles. Once the fluid drains, the bleeder valve is closed to ensure that no air re-enters the system before the brake is released. This process is repeated several times on each wheel to ensure all fluid and air have been discharged. To protect the master cylinder seals from damage by accumulated sediment or corrosion, place a block under the brake pedal to keep it from bottoming out.

1-Man Pump & Hold Method

Using this method, one person sits in the driver seat, pumping the brakes a few times and then holding the brake pedal down. The other person opens the brake bleeder valve to let out brake fluid and air. A clear tube is often attached to the bleeder valve and run into a container to offer a better view of the fluid and bubbles. Once the fluid drains, the bleeder valve is closed to ensure that no air re-enters the system before the brake is released. This process is repeated several times on each wheel to ensure all fluid and air have been discharged. To protect the master cylinder seals from damage by accumulated sediment or corrosion, place a block under the brake pedal to keep it from bottoming out.

Brake Bleeder Kit

A nearly fool-proof method is to use a brake bleeder kit. A kit lets you bleed your brakes without someone's assistance. Some Brake Bleeder Kits can also be used as a Vacuum/Pressure Pump, allowing you to accurately test vacuum and pressure within your entire automotive system! Check for leaks in your headlight and wiper door vacuum systems, and diagnose problems like sticking valves, broken valve springs, restricted exhaust, worn piston rings and leaking head gaskets.

The Brake Bleeder Kit is easy to assemble and use. Simply remove the wheel and rubber dust cover on the brake bleeder. Attach the 12" tube of the brake bleeder kit to the brake bleeder and loosen the bleeder valve. Use the pressure pump to draw fluid out of the brakes and into the jar.