Brake Fluid Flush

Remove old brake fluid from the entire brake system and replace with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid to maintain proper brake performance and prevent moisture contamination.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 3 brake fluid × 1 — Use OEM specification - purchase 1 quart for complete flush

Fluids

• DOT 3 brake fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Verify you have 1 quart of fresh, unopened DOT 3 brake fluid from same manufacturer
4. Locate brake fluid reservoir on driver side firewall mounted to master cylinder
5. Clean area around master cylinder reservoir cap to prevent dirt contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Loosen all wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground. Raise vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-approved jacking points. Support securely on all four jack stands at frame rails. Remove all four wheels and set aside. Never work under vehicle supported only by jack.
2. 2

   Prepare master cylinder reservoir
   Remove master cylinder reservoir cap. Use turkey baster or extraction syringe to remove as much old brake fluid as possible from reservoir. Wipe inside of reservoir with clean lint-free cloth if heavily contaminated. Fill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Keep reservoir cap and fresh fluid nearby for frequent refilling.
   ⚠Dispose of old brake fluid properly at recycling center. Do not pour down drain or onto ground.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear brake
   Start with wheel furthest from master cylinder (right rear). Locate bleeder screw on the rear brake wheel cylinder (or caliper if equipped with rear disc brakes). Clean bleeder screw thoroughly. Attach clear vinyl tubing to bleeder screw and place other end in catch bottle with small amount of clean brake fluid to prevent air intake. Have assistant press brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn with the correct wrench (typically 8mm or 10mm depending on corner - verify fitment). Fluid will flow through tube. When pedal reaches floor, close bleeder screw before releasing pedal. Repeat process until fluid runs clear without bubbles. Check and refill master cylinder reservoir frequently to maintain level above MIN line.
   ⚠️NEVER let master cylinder run dry or air will enter ABS system requiring dealer-level equipment to bleed.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Bleed left rear brake
   Move to left rear wheel and repeat exact bleeding procedure as right rear. Attach tubing to bleeder screw, have assistant pump and hold brake pedal, open bleeder screw until pedal drops, close bleeder before releasing pedal. Continue until fluid is clear and bubble-free. Refill master cylinder reservoir as needed.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Bleed right front brake
   Move to right front wheel. This wheel may have two bleeder screws on some caliper configurations - if so, bleed the inboard (closest to engine) bleeder first, then outboard. Repeat bleeding procedure: assistant pumps and holds pedal, open bleeder, close when pedal drops, release pedal. Continue until fluid is clear without air bubbles. Monitor master cylinder level constantly.
   ⚠Some front calipers have two bleeder screws. Always bleed inboard position first if equipped with dual bleeders.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Bleed left front brake
   Move to left front wheel (closest to master cylinder, bled last). Repeat bleeding procedure as right front. If dual bleeder screws present, bleed inboard first then outboard. Continue pumping and bleeding until fluid runs perfectly clear with no air bubbles. This wheel typically clears fastest as it's closest to reservoir.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Final master cylinder service
   Fill master cylinder reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Wipe exterior of reservoir clean of any spilled fluid. Install reservoir cap hand-tight - should be snug but not over-tightened. No torque specification applies. Inspect entire master cylinder area for leaks or fluid seepage.
   Torque spec

   Master Cylinder Cap4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels
   Clean wheel mounting surfaces and brake dust from wheels. Mount all four wheels onto hubs. Install lug nuts and tighten by hand. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground but suspension not fully loaded. Torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification (approximately 130 ft-lbs / 176 Nm - verify for model year). Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to final specification.
   ⚠Always torque lug nuts in star pattern to prevent rotor warping. Re-torque after 50 miles of driving.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bleeder screws are tight to specification and not stripped
2. Verify master cylinder reservoir is filled to MAX line and cap is secure
3. Clean any brake fluid residue from wheels, calipers, and painted surfaces immediately with water
4. Check brake fluid level one more time before test drive

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal several times - pedal should become firm and hold steady pressure
• Start engine - brake pedal may drop slightly due to vacuum assist, this is normal
• With engine running, apply firm brake pressure for 30 seconds and verify pedal does not slowly sink
• Check for fluid leaks at all four bleeder screws and master cylinder
• Perform low-speed brake test (under 10 mph) in safe area to verify proper brake function before normal driving
• Test drive at gradually increasing speeds, verifying firm pedal feel and straight stopping without pulling
• Re-check master cylinder fluid level after test drive - should remain at MAX line
• Inspect all four bleeder screws for seepage after test drive
• Schedule re-torque of wheel lug nuts after 50 miles of driving

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