how to bleed brakes on forklift

When operating a forklift, ensuring the vehicle’s brakes are working effectively is crucial to maintain the safety of the operator, bystanders, and the cargo being lifted. Therefore, regular maintenance and inspection of the forklift’s brakes are essential. Bleeding the brakes is one such maintenance procedure that must be carried out periodically to keep them working smoothly and effectively. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in bleeding the brakes on a forklift, so you can perform this task with confidence.

Tools Required

To bleed the brakes on a forklift, you will need some specific tools, including:- Wrenches- Brake fluid - A clean containerMake sure that you have the correct wrenches to fit the bleed nipples on the brake calipers, as using the wrong size can damage them. Brake fluid should be the same type recommended by the forklift manufacturer. You will also need a clean container to collect the old brake fluid during the bleeding process.

Preparation

Before you begin, ensure that the forklift is on level ground and the engine is turned off. Locate the bleed nipples on each brake caliper and loosen them with the correct wrench. Place the container beneath the caliper to collect the old brake fluid, ensuring that it is positioned so that it does not overflow. Check the brake fluid reservoir; if the level is low, fill it up with the recommended brake fluid to avoid air being drawn into the system during the bleeding process.

Bleeding the Brakes

Once you have prepared the tools and the forklift, it's time to start bleeding the brakes. Begin with the brake nearest to the master cylinder and work your way around the forklift, ending with the furthest brake. Here are the steps to follow:1. Press down the brake pedal several times to become familiar with the brake resistance and feel. 2. With the wrench, loosen the bleed nipple slightly, ensuring that you do not remove it entirely. 3. Instruct an assistant to sit in the driver's seat and, when ready, press down on the brake pedal slowly and firmly, holding it at the bottom of its travel. 4. With the pedal held down, tighten the bleed nipple again and then ask the assistant to release the pedal slowly. 5. Repeat the process, going through steps 2-4, until there are no air bubbles visible in the brake fluid that comes out of the bleed nipple. 6. Once the bleeding is completed on one brake, move onto the next closest brake and repeat steps 1-5.

Finishing Up

After you have bled all the brake calipers, fill up the brake fluid reservoir to the recommended level. Ensure that you have tightened all bleed nipples securely and cleared any spilled brake fluid. Finally, check the brake pedal again to make sure there is sufficient resistance and the brakes are in good working order. Performing a brake bleeding procedure is an essential maintenance task that should be carried out periodically to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a forklift. By following these steps, you can complete the process with confidence, knowing that you have performed an essential maintenance task that will keep the forklift running efficiently.