Testing the brake pressure on your car brakes can help you determine whether there is a leak in the break lines. Brake pressure can also be used to diagnose other issues with your brakes before they fail. The pressure in your brake lines is what stops the car when you press the brake pedal.

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Things You’ll Need

• Jack
• Lug wrench

• Break pressure test kit
• Wrench

• Place the car on a stable, flat surface, and apply the emergency brake.

• Place the jack under the car on the metal frame of the car near the brake you will be testing. Lift the car barely; you want the car to touch the ground so you can remove the lug nuts without the wheel spinning.

• Remove the hub cap if it has one, and proceed to remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

• Lift the car with the jack high enough so you can remove the wheel. This will give you access to the brake caliper.

• Remove the bleeder valve from the brake caliper. Use the wrench to remove the valve. The valve usually is on the back side of the caliper.

• Attach the proper adapter to your brake caliper. The brake pressure test kit comes with many adapters; test each one until you find the one that fits. It snaps in place with gentle pressure.

• Connect your brake pressure gauge to the adapter you placed on your brake caliper.

• Read the brake pressure from your gauge. Have someone help you by entering the car and pressing down on the brake pedal; this will cause the needle on your gauge to rise, showing you the brake pressure.

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