When attempting to change the brake pads on my 95 Civic, I accidentally loosened the bleeder screw and lost brake fluid. I tightened the screw to stop the leaking and filled the reservoir to the max with brake fluid, but now my brakes have zero resistance. I pretty much have no brakes. How do I fix this? Must I bleed the brakes? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Yes, you need to bleed the system of the trapped air.

 

Did you pump the brakes a couple of times?

 

If the reservoir ever runs dry for whatever reason, you will have to bleed the whole system.

 

Actually its probably a combination of two things. 1) first pump up your brakes (engine running, in park/neutral) do it slowly. This is to first make sure you've pushed the pads flat against the rotor. 2) have a buddy help you bleed the brakes (search, there is a proceedure on here somewhere). Should be as good as new.

Just curious how you accidently loosened the bleeder screw tho...usually those things are tight and rusted in...

 

lol. ya just bleed the system. and ya might as well do the whole system. every wheel. start from rear passenger, rear drivers, passenger front, and drivers front. bleed the system till the brake fluid is as clear as brand new. just keep refilling the brake fluid and dont let it run dry!