What is meant by the term bleed, in regard to automotive systems?
To bleed usually refers to the process of removing air from a fluid driven system. Typical examples of things that are bled include, brake, clutch, cooling and power steering systems. Since air can be compressed it is detrimental to a system that depends on fluid pressure. Air in the brakes or clutch will compress and make the pedal spongy. Air in the power steering will cause noise and erratic operation. Air in a cooling system can cause hot spots with no cooling, poor circulation and will greatly increase corrosion.
