Brake Fluid Flush

Replace all brake fluid in the system through a four-wheel bleed procedure to remove contaminated or moisture-laden fluid, restoring proper brake performance and preventing internal corrosion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 3 brake fluid × 2 — Mopar or equivalent DOT 3

Fluids

• brake — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake firmly.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Open master cylinder reservoir cap in engine compartment and verify fluid level is at MAX line. Top off with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid if needed.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point and support on jack stands under front subframe.
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands under rear differential or rear subframe.
6. Remove all four wheels using 21mm socket to access brake calipers.
7. Have at least 2 quarts of fresh, unopened DOT 3 brake fluid available.
8. Prepare catch bottle with 2 inches of fresh brake fluid in bottom so bleeder hose end is submerged to prevent air entry.
9. Identify bleeder screw locations: front calipers on inboard top corner, rear calipers on inboard top corner.

Procedure

1. 1

   Extract old fluid from master cylinder reservoir
   Using a turkey baster or fluid extraction syringe, remove as much old brake fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir. Dispose of old fluid in a sealed container per local regulations. Wipe the inside of the reservoir with a clean lint-free cloth to remove sediment. Refill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid from a new, unopened container.
2. 2

   Prepare right rear caliper for bleeding
   Locate the bleeder screw on the inboard side of the right rear caliper (passenger side rear). Clean the bleeder screw and surrounding area with brake cleaner and a wire brush to prevent contamination from entering the system. Attach clear bleeding hose to bleeder screw nipple and submerge the other end in the catch bottle with fluid covering the hose end.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Have assistant sit in driver's seat with engine OFF. Assistant pumps brake pedal slowly 5-7 times, then holds firm pressure on pedal. With pedal held down, open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn using 10mm box-end wrench. Fluid and air will flow into catch bottle and pedal will sink to floor. Close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Assistant releases pedal. Repeat this process until fluid flows clear with no air bubbles (typically 8-12 cycles). Check and refill master cylinder reservoir after every 3-4 pedal cycles to prevent running dry. When complete, perform final tightening of bleeder screw.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move bleeding equipment to left rear caliper (driver side rear). Clean bleeder screw area with brake cleaner. Attach clear hose to bleeder screw with end submerged in fresh fluid in catch bottle. Repeat the pump-hold-open-close bleeding process from Step 3 until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Maintain master cylinder reservoir level throughout. Torque bleeder screw when complete.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to right front caliper (passenger side front). Clean bleeder screw area with brake cleaner. Attach clear hose to bleeder screw with end submerged in fresh fluid. Repeat the pump-hold-open-close bleeding process until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. The front calipers may require slightly more cycles (10-15) due to longer brake line runs. Check master cylinder reservoir frequently. Torque bleeder screw when complete.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Bleed left front caliper
   Move to left front caliper (driver side front). Clean bleeder screw area with brake cleaner. Attach clear hose to bleeder screw with end submerged in fresh fluid. Repeat the pump-hold-open-close bleeding process until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. This is the final wheel to bleed. Continue until absolutely no air bubbles appear and fluid is completely clear. Torque bleeder screw to specification.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Final master cylinder fill and cap installation
   Fill master cylinder reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Wipe any spilled fluid from reservoir exterior and surrounding painted surfaces immediately. Install reservoir cap securely by hand until fully seated. Do not overtighten.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall wheels
   Reinstall all four wheels. Thread lug nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Lower vehicle and perform brake pedal test
   Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground. With engine OFF, pump brake pedal 15-20 times. Pedal should build firm resistance and hold steady pressure. If pedal feels soft or sinks slowly, air remains in system and bleeding must be repeated. Start engine and verify pedal remains firm with engine running. Pedal will drop slightly when engine starts (normal power brake booster operation) but should remain well above halfway to floor.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly was performed beyond wheel removal; reassembly consists of wheel installation covered in procedure steps.

Verification

• With engine running, brake pedal should be firm and hold steady pressure when depressed. Pedal should not sink or feel spongy.
• Pedal should stop approximately 2-3 inches from full travel and should not go to the floor under firm pressure.
• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed (under 25 mph) and verify brakes engage smoothly and vehicle stops in straight line without pulling to either side.
• After test drive, recheck master cylinder fluid level and inspect all four bleeder screws for any signs of leakage. Fluid level should remain at MAX line.
• Perform several moderate-pressure stops from 35-40 mph on empty road to verify consistent brake feel and stopping power.
• If any abnormality is observed (soft pedal, pulling, grinding, fluid loss), do not drive vehicle and have it professionally inspected immediately.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle