Brake Fluid Flush

This procedure completely replaces all brake fluid in the hydraulic system to remove moisture and contaminants, maintaining proper brake performance and preventing internal corrosion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 3 brake fluid × 1 — Use Honda DOT 3 or equivalent meeting DOT 3 specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen all four wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove all four wheels
5. Locate brake bleeder screws on all four calipers (rear top for fronts, rear inboard for rears)
6. Clean area around all bleeder screws with brake cleaner to prevent contamination
7. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir on driver's side of master cylinder
8. Check current fluid level and condition - dark or contaminated fluid confirms need for service

Procedure

1. 1

   Extract old fluid from reservoir
   Use turkey baster or extraction syringe to remove as much old brake fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir. Dispose of old fluid properly in sealed container. Wipe reservoir interior with clean lint-free cloth if accessible. This reduces the amount of old fluid that will be pushed through the system.
   ⚠Dispose of brake fluid according to local hazardous waste regulations. Do not pour down drains.
2. 2

   Fill reservoir with fresh brake fluid
   Fill master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. Keep the bottle nearby as you will need to refill frequently. Leave reservoir cap off but cover opening loosely to prevent debris entry while allowing air escape.
   ℹ️Monitor reservoir level constantly throughout bleeding process. Never let level drop below MIN line.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Starting with the wheel farthest from master cylinder (right rear): Attach clear vinyl tubing to bleeder screw and submerge other end in catch bottle with small amount of clean fluid. Have assistant slowly depress brake pedal fully and hold. Open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn while pedal is depressed. Observe old dark fluid and air bubbles flowing through tubing. When pedal reaches floor, close bleeder screw BEFORE assistant releases pedal. Repeat process until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles (typically 5-10 pumps). Check and refill reservoir after every 3-4 pumps.
   ⚠️Bleeder screw MUST be closed before releasing brake pedal or air will be drawn into system.
   ⚠Do not allow assistant to pump pedal rapidly. Use slow, deliberate full-stroke pumps only.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move to left rear caliper. Repeat the same bleeding procedure: attach tubing, assistant depresses pedal and holds, open bleeder screw, watch fluid flow, close bleeder screw, assistant releases pedal. Continue until fluid is clear with no air bubbles. Refill reservoir as needed to keep above MIN line.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to right front caliper. Repeat bleeding procedure using same method. The front calipers may require more pumps to clear old fluid. Continue until fluid runs consistently clear. Monitor reservoir level closely.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front caliper
   Move to left front caliper (closest to master cylinder, last to bleed). Repeat bleeding procedure until fluid is clear. This wheel completes the flush sequence. Verify all four wheels now have clear, fresh brake fluid visible in the tubing during bleeding.
   Torque spec

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

   Verify all bleeder screws are tight
   Using torque wrench, verify each bleeder screw at all four wheels is properly tightened to 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). These are brass screws and strip easily - use proper 6-point wrench and do not exceed specified torque. Wipe any spilled fluid from calipers and suspension components.
   ⚠Over-torquing bleeder screws will strip threads in caliper body, requiring expensive caliper replacement.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Set final fluid level
   Fill master cylinder reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Install reservoir cap securely. Wipe any spilled fluid from master cylinder and surrounding painted surfaces immediately with water.
   ℹ️Brake fluid level will drop slightly as brake pads wear. This is normal operation.
9. 9

   Test brake pedal feel
   With engine off, pump brake pedal 10-15 times. Pedal should feel firm and consistent with no sponginess. Pedal should not sink slowly to floor when held under constant pressure. If pedal feels soft or spongy, air remains in system and bleeding must be repeated.
   ⚠️Do not drive vehicle if brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks to floor. This indicates air in system or other brake failure.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground. Torque all lug nuts to 140.0 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify master cylinder reservoir cap is installed securely
2. Clean any brake fluid residue from painted surfaces, calipers, and wheels using water
3. Double-check all four bleeder screws are tight and not leaking
4. Verify all wheels are torqued properly in star pattern

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal multiple times - pedal should be firm with no sponginess
• Hold firm pressure on brake pedal for 30 seconds - pedal should not sink
• Start engine - pedal should drop slightly as brake booster activates, then remain firm
• Check for fluid leaks at all four bleeder screws and around reservoir cap
• Verify reservoir is at MAX line with cap installed securely
• Test drive in safe area at low speed - brakes should engage smoothly with no pulsation or pulling
• Perform several moderate stops from 25-30 mph to verify consistent brake feel
• After test drive, inspect all bleeder screws again for any seepage or leaks
• Re-check reservoir fluid level after test drive - should remain at MAX line
• If ANY abnormality is detected in brake pedal feel or function, do not drive vehicle and seek professional diagnosis immediately

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