How to Bleed Brakes on Dodge RAM
by Jesse James DeanUpdated November 07, 2017
Items you will need
Jack
Jack stands
Socket set and ratchet
Lug Wrench
Helper
Bleeding the brakes on your vehicle is needed after replacing any brake parts that require you to break the seal on any part containing the brake fluid. When the seal is broken in the fluid area, it allows air in the lines that will not let the brakes function properly. Bleeding the brakes can be done by your local mechanic. However, if it isn't in your budget to take your vehicle to your local repair shop, you can bleed the brakes yourself. With a little knowledge and elbow grease this can be accomplished in a short time with ease.
Break the lugnuts free. Use your lug wrench to break free all of the lugnuts on all four wheels. Place the lug wrench on the lugnuts and turn it counter-clockwise until they break free. Repeat this process on all lugnuts and all wheels.
Jack the vehicle and remove the wheels. Place the jack under the rear of the vehicle and jack it up. Place the jack stands under the vehicle. Let the jack down until the vehicle is sitting on the jack stands. Move the jack to the front of the vehicle and jack it up. Place the jack stands under the front of the car for safety. Let the jack down so the vehicle is sitting on the jack stands.
Remove the wheels. Remove all lugnuts with the lugwrench, turning them counter-clockwise until they come off. Remove the wheels and set them aside.
Bleed the brakes. Remove the brake fluid reservoir lid and pour in brake fluid until it is full. Have your helper sit in the driver's seat of the vehicle, pump the brake pedal three times and then hold it down.
Place the appropriate size socket on the bleeder screw located on the top of the brake caliper, and turn it counter-clockwise a quarter turn; this will release brake fluid and any air that is present. Turn the bleeder screw clockwise until tight. Have your helper release the brake pedal and then pump it again three times. Repeat the bleeding process. This process will be done to all four brake calipers.
Re-install the wheels and let the vehicle down. Place all wheels back on the vehicle and turn the lugnuts clockwise until they are tight. Jack the front of the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Let the front of the vehicle down to the ground. Move to the rear of the vehicle and jack it up, remove the jack stands, and let the vehicle down to the ground.
Tighten the lug nuts. When the entire vehicle is back on the ground, use your lug wrench to re-tighten the lugnuts.
Writer Bio
Jason, who holds a Bachelor's Degree in journalism, hails from Espyville, PA. Troutman is not only a successful freelancer, he also worked for NASCAR teams including DEI and Joe Gibbs Racing. Troutman is editor-in-chief of Outlaw Motor Sports, a publication devoted to everything racing, from engine building to car design.
