Brake Fluid Flush

This procedure completely replaces the brake fluid in the hydraulic system by bleeding each brake caliper in the correct sequence, ensuring optimal braking performance and preventing moisture contamination.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid × 1 — Honda Genuine DOT 3 or equivalent meeting DOT 3 specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen all wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before raising vehicle
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
5. Remove all four wheels
6. Verify you have at least 32 oz (1 quart) of fresh DOT 3 brake fluid that has not been previously opened
7. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood on driver side near firewall
8. Clean area around reservoir cap to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Open the brake fluid reservoir cap. Use a turkey baster or brake fluid syringe to remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir without exposing the bottom. Dispose of old fluid properly. Wipe inside of reservoir with clean lint-free cloth if sediment is visible. Fill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid.
   ⚠Do not allow any dirt or debris to enter the reservoir. Contamination will damage the ABS system and brake components.
2. 2

   Prepare bleeding setup
   Attach clear plastic bleeder hose to the RIGHT REAR brake caliper bleeder screw. Submerge the other end of the hose in a clean container with 2-3 inches of fresh brake fluid to prevent air from being drawn back. Honda bleeding sequence is: Right Rear, Left Front, Left Rear, Right Front. Locate the bleeder screw on the back of the caliper - it will have a rubber dust cap.
   ℹ️The bleeder screw sequence must be followed exactly to ensure complete fluid replacement and air removal from the system.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Have assistant press brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold firm pressure. With pedal held down, loosen bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn using brake bleeder wrench. Old fluid and air will flow through hose. When flow stops and pedal reaches floor, tighten bleeder screw. Release pedal. Repeat process until fluid coming out is clean and clear with no air bubbles (typically 5-8 cycles). Check reservoir level after every 2-3 pumps and refill to MAX line as needed.
   ⚠Never allow brake pedal to be released while bleeder screw is open or air will be drawn into the system. Always close bleeder screw before releasing pedal.
   ⚠Monitor reservoir constantly. If level drops below MIN line, air will enter system and bleeding must restart from beginning.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front caliper
   Move bleeder hose to LEFT FRONT caliper bleeder screw. Remove rubber dust cap. Refill reservoir to MAX line. Repeat bleeding process: assistant presses pedal slowly and holds, open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn, fluid flows, close bleeder screw, release pedal. Continue until fluid is clean and bubble-free. This corner typically requires 6-10 cycles due to longer brake line distance.
   ⚠Front calipers may release more fluid per cycle. Check reservoir level more frequently.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move bleeder hose to LEFT REAR caliper bleeder screw. Remove rubber dust cap. Refill reservoir to MAX line. Repeat bleeding process until fluid runs clean and clear with no air bubbles (typically 5-8 cycles). Ensure pedal pressure remains firm throughout bleeding.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move bleeder hose to RIGHT FRONT caliper bleeder screw (final corner). Remove rubber dust cap. Refill reservoir to MAX line. Repeat bleeding process until fluid is completely clean and clear with absolutely no air bubbles (typically 6-10 cycles). This completes the bleeding sequence.
   Torque spec

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

   Final reservoir fill and inspection
   Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Inspect all four bleeder screws to ensure they are tight and rubber dust caps are reinstalled. Wipe any spilled brake fluid from calipers and suspension components immediately with clean water. Check brake hoses and lines for any signs of leakage or damage.
   ⚠If any brake fluid was spilled on paint, wash immediately with large amounts of water to prevent permanent damage.
8. 8

   Pedal feel test
   With vehicle still raised, have assistant pump brake pedal 10-15 times. Pedal should feel firm and consistent. If pedal feels spongy or sinks slowly, air remains in system and bleeding must be repeated. Pedal should not travel more than halfway to floor with moderate pressure.
   ⚠️Do not operate vehicle if brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels to the floor. This indicates air in the system or a hydraulic failure.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Install all four wheels. Thread lug nuts by hand initially to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in star pattern to approximately 80 ft-lb by hand or impact gun. Lower vehicle completely to ground.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final torque and brake system check
    With vehicle on ground and full weight on suspension, torque all wheel lug nuts to final specification in star pattern. Start engine and pump brake pedal several times - pedal should feel firm and high. Press firmly and hold for 30 seconds to check for any pedal fade. Check reservoir level one final time and adjust to MAX line if needed. Securely install reservoir cap.
    ⚠️If brake warning light illuminates, pedal feels abnormal, or any fluid leaks are observed, do not drive vehicle. Have it professionally inspected immediately.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all four bleeder screw rubber dust caps are installed to prevent contamination
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir cap is securely tightened
3. Clean any brake fluid residue from painted or rubber surfaces with water
4. Verify all wheels are properly torqued in star pattern

Verification

• Start engine and verify brake warning light extinguishes after 2-3 seconds
• Perform brake pedal test: pedal should be firm with no more than 2 inches of travel under moderate pressure, and should not sink when held for 30 seconds
• Check for fluid leaks at all four bleeder screws and around brake lines
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area: brakes should engage smoothly and evenly without pulling to either side
• Perform several moderate stops from 20-30 mph to verify proper brake operation and pedal feel
• After test drive, recheck brake fluid reservoir level and inspect all bleeder screws for leaks
• If vehicle is equipped with electronic parking brake, verify parking brake engages and releases normally
• Document the service date and mileage - brake fluid should be flushed every 3 years or 36,000 miles per Honda maintenance schedule

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