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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir is accessible under hood (driver side near firewall)
3. Ensure you have sufficient NEW DOT 4 brake fluid (minimum 1.5 quarts, recommend 2 quarts)
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts on all four wheels while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise vehicle completely and support on jack stands at all four corners - never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack
6. Remove all four wheels and set aside safely
7. Locate brake bleeder screws on all four calipers (rear of caliper body, covered with rubber caps)
8. Spray bleeder screws with penetrating oil if corroded, wait 10 minutes before attempting to loosen

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare brake fluid reservoir
   Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir on driver side near firewall. Using turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, remove as much old brake fluid as possible from reservoir without allowing debris to enter. Wipe reservoir interior with clean lint-free cloth. Fill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Keep bottle of fresh fluid nearby for frequent refills.
   ⚠Do not allow any dirt or debris to enter the reservoir. Contamination can damage the entire brake system including ABS pump.
2. 2

   Bleed right rear brake
   Starting with right rear wheel (passenger rear), remove rubber cap from bleeder screw. Attach clear vinyl tubing to bleeder screw nipple and place other end in catch bottle. Have assistant press brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold pressure. While pedal is held down, open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn with 10mm wrench. Old fluid and air will flow through tube. Close bleeder screw BEFORE assistant releases pedal. Repeat until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles (typically 8-12 cycles). Check reservoir level after every 3-4 pumps and refill to MAX line.
   ⚠️Bleeder screw MUST be closed before assistant releases brake pedal, or air will be drawn into the system.
   ⚠Never let reservoir drop below MIN line or air will enter ABS hydraulic unit, requiring professional scan tool to purge.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Bleed left rear brake
   Move to left rear wheel (driver rear). Repeat bleeding procedure exactly as performed on right rear. Remove rubber cap, attach tubing, and bleed until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Assistant presses and holds pedal, you open bleeder 1/4 to 1/2 turn, fluid flows, close bleeder before pedal release. Check and refill reservoir frequently.
   ⚠Check reservoir level before starting this wheel. Top off to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 fluid.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front brake
   Move to right front wheel (passenger front). Access bleeder screw on rear of caliper. Repeat bleeding procedure: attach tubing, assistant pumps and holds pedal, open bleeder until fluid flows, close bleeder before pedal release. Continue until fluid is clear with no bubbles. Front brakes may require more cycles due to larger caliper pistons. Continuously monitor reservoir level.
   ⚠Front calipers hold more fluid. Check reservoir level after every 2-3 pump cycles to prevent running dry.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front brake
   Move to left front wheel (driver front). Perform final bleeding operation. This is the last wheel in the sequence and should show completely fresh, clear brake fluid quickly if previous wheels were done correctly. Bleed until absolutely no air bubbles are visible and fluid color matches fresh fluid. Close bleeder screw securely to specified torque.
   ⚠This is the final wheel. Ensure fluid is completely clear and bubble-free before closing bleeder.
   Torque spec

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

   Verify pedal firmness
   With engine OFF, pump brake pedal 15-20 times. Pedal should become progressively firmer and hold steady pressure. If pedal feels soft or sinks slowly, air remains in system and bleeding must be repeated. Fill reservoir to MAX line. Install reservoir cap securely. Wipe all spilled brake fluid from calipers, wheels, and chassis components with water.
   ⚠️A soft, spongy, or sinking brake pedal indicates air in the system. DO NOT drive vehicle until pedal is firm and holds pressure.
7. 7

   Reinstall wheels
   Verify all bleeder screws are tight (7.0 lb-ft / 10 Nm - hand tight plus 1/8 turn) and rubber caps are reinstalled. Clean wheel mounting surfaces of any corrosion or debris. Install wheels, hand-threading lug nuts to prevent cross-threading. Lower vehicle until tires just touch ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final lug nut torque check in star pattern.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 fluid
2. Confirm reservoir cap is installed securely
3. Verify all four bleeder screw rubber caps are reinstalled to prevent corrosion
4. Wipe down all brake components and painted surfaces to remove any brake fluid residue
5. Double-check all wheel lug nuts are torqued to 140 Nm in star pattern

Verification

• With engine OFF, pump brake pedal firmly 10-15 times. Pedal must feel firm and solid, not spongy or soft. Pedal should not sink when held under steady pressure for 30 seconds
• Start engine. Pedal should drop slightly (normal power brake assist) but remain firm. Apply firm brake pressure for 10 seconds - pedal must not sink
• Check brake fluid reservoir - level should be at MAX line with no bubbles visible in fluid
• Perform low-speed test drive in safe area. Test brakes at 5-10 mph to verify normal operation. Braking should be firm and even with no pulling to either side
• After test drive, inspect all four bleeder screws for any fluid leakage. Check brake fluid level again
• CRITICAL: If brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels too far, or if braking performance is abnormal, DO NOT drive vehicle. Repeat bleeding procedure or seek professional service immediately

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