Brake Fluid Flush

Complete brake fluid flush for the 2008 Dodge Viper, replacing all DOT 4 brake fluid throughout the hydraulic system to maintain optimal braking performance and prevent moisture contamination.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 brake fluid × 2 — Use Mopar specification DOT 4

Fluids

• DOT 4 brake fluid — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Verify you have sufficient DOT 4 brake fluid (approximately 1.5-2 quarts needed for complete flush)
3. Open the hood and locate the brake master cylinder reservoir near the firewall on the driver's side
4. Check current fluid level and condition — dark or contaminated fluid confirms the need for flushing
5. Loosen all four wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
6. Lift vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
7. Remove all four wheels for access to brake calipers
8. Locate the bleeder screws on each caliper — passenger rear, driver rear, passenger front, driver front (standard longest-to-shortest bleeding sequence)

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare master cylinder reservoir
   Use a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump to remove as much old brake fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir without allowing debris to enter. Wipe the reservoir interior clean with a lint-free cloth. Refill the reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Keep the reservoir cap off during bleeding but monitor level constantly.
2. 2

   Bleed passenger rear caliper
   Starting with the passenger rear caliper (longest hydraulic line from master cylinder), locate the bleeder screw on the back of the caliper. Clean the bleeder screw area thoroughly to prevent contamination. Attach clear plastic tubing to the bleeder nipple and submerge the other end in a clean catch container with 1-2 inches of fresh brake fluid. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal to the floor, then open the bleeder screw approximately 3/4 turn with the 10mm wrench. Close the bleeder screw before the assistant releases the pedal. Repeat this process until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Check and refill the master cylinder reservoir after every 3-4 bleeds.
3. 3

   Bleed driver rear caliper
   Move to the driver rear caliper and repeat the bleeding procedure: clean bleeder area, attach tubing, have assistant depress pedal fully, open bleeder screw 3/4 turn, close before pedal release. Continue until fluid runs completely clear with no discoloration or air bubbles. Monitor master cylinder reservoir level constantly and refill as needed to prevent introducing air into the system.
4. 4

   Bleed passenger front caliper
   Proceed to the passenger front caliper and repeat the bleeding sequence. Clean bleeder screw, attach tubing to catch container, coordinate with assistant on pedal depression and bleeder opening. Continue bleeding until fresh, clear fluid flows with no bubbles; the number of pedal strokes per corner will vary, so use fluid clarity rather than a fixed count as your guide. Continue until fresh, clear fluid with no contamination or bubbles flows through the tubing. Maintain master cylinder reservoir level above MIN line at all times.
5. 5

   Bleed driver front caliper
   Complete the bleeding sequence at the driver front caliper (shortest line from master cylinder). Follow the same procedure: clean area, attach tubing, coordinate pedal and bleeder operation. Bleed until fluid is completely fresh and clear with zero air bubbles. This is the final wheel, so ensure all old fluid has been purged from the system.
6. 6

   Final master cylinder top-off
   After completing all four corners, fill the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Install the reservoir cap securely. With an assistant, pump the brake pedal 15-20 times to pressurize the system and ensure proper pedal feel.
7. 7

   Pedal feel verification
   With the engine off, pump the brake pedal several times. The pedal should feel firm and consistent with minimal travel. If the pedal feels spongy, soft, or sinks to the floor, air remains in the system and re-bleeding is required. Start the bleeding sequence again from passenger rear. If after re-bleeding the pedal still feels abnormal, DO NOT drive the vehicle — seek professional service.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect
   Thoroughly inspect all four bleeder screws for proper tightness and verify no fluid leaks are present. Clean any spilled brake fluid from wheels, calipers, and suspension components immediately with water. Inspect brake lines and hoses for any signs of damage, cracking, or deterioration while access is available.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle to the ground and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern
3. Double-check master cylinder reservoir level and top off to MAX line if needed
4. Verify reservoir cap is securely installed to prevent moisture contamination

Verification

• With engine running, apply firm brake pedal pressure — pedal should feel solid and high with no excessive travel or sponginess
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area — brakes should engage smoothly and evenly with no pulling to either side
• Check master cylinder reservoir for proper level and verify no leaks at any bleeder screws or brake lines
• Inspect under vehicle for any signs of brake fluid leakage at all four calipers
• Test drive at progressively higher speeds in a safe area, verifying strong, consistent brake response with no pedal fade or anomalies
• If ANY abnormal pedal feel, noise, or braking performance is observed, DO NOT continue driving — have the system professionally inspected

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