Complete brake fluid flush procedure to replace old brake fluid with fresh DOT 4 fluid, ensuring proper brake system performance and preventing moisture contamination.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid × 2 — Use OEM specification or approved equivalent

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen all wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before lifting vehicle
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at proper jacking points
5. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at proper jacking points
6. Remove all four wheels completely
7. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood on driver's side near firewall
8. Clean area around reservoir cap to prevent contamination
9. Prepare workspace with brake fluid bottles, catch container, and clean rags within easy reach

Procedure

1. 1

   Extract old fluid from reservoir
   Using a turkey baster or fluid extraction pump, remove as much old brake fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir. Do not allow reservoir to completely empty. Dispose of old fluid in appropriate waste container. Wipe interior of reservoir with clean, lint-free cloth if accessible.
2. 2

   Refill reservoir with fresh fluid
   Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed container. Keep spare fluid bottles nearby for frequent refilling during bleeding process. Leave reservoir cap off but cover opening with clean cloth to prevent contamination while allowing monitoring of fluid level.
   ⚠Check fluid level frequently throughout bleeding process. Never let level drop below MIN line or air will enter the system.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear brake
   Locate bleeder screw on right rear brake caliper (passenger side rear). Clean bleeder screw area thoroughly. Attach clear plastic tubing to bleeder screw and route other end into catch bottle. Have assistant pump brake pedal 3-5 times and hold pressure. Open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn while pedal is held down. Observe fluid flowing through clear tube - initially will be dark/dirty. Close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Repeat process until fluid runs clear and free of air bubbles. Refill master cylinder reservoir as needed between cycles.
   ⚠Do not release brake pedal while bleeder screw is open or air will be drawn into system.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left rear brake
   Move to left rear brake caliper (driver side rear). Clean bleeder screw area. Attach clear tubing to bleeder screw and route to catch bottle. Repeat same bleeding procedure as right rear: assistant pumps pedal 3-5 times, holds pressure, you open bleeder screw, close before pedal bottoms out. Continue until fluid is clear and bubble-free. Monitor and refill reservoir frequently.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front brake
   Move to right front brake caliper (passenger side front). Clean bleeder screw area thoroughly. Attach clear tubing to bleeder screw and route to catch bottle. Repeat bleeding procedure: pump pedal 3-5 times, hold pressure, open bleeder screw, observe flow, close bleeder before pedal bottoms. Continue until fresh, clear fluid flows with no air bubbles. Maintain reservoir level above MIN line.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front brake
   Move to left front brake caliper (driver side front). Clean bleeder screw area. Attach clear tubing to bleeder screw and route to catch bottle. Repeat bleeding procedure: pump pedal 3-5 times, hold pressure, open bleeder screw, observe flow, close bleeder. This is the final wheel - ensure fluid is completely clear and free of any air bubbles. Check reservoir level and top off to MAX line.
   Torque spec

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

   Perform final system check
   With all bleeder screws closed and torqued properly, fill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 fluid. Pump brake pedal slowly 10-15 times. Pedal should feel firm and consistent. If pedal feels spongy or travels too far, repeat bleeding process starting from right rear wheel. Inspect all four bleeder screws for leaks.
   ⚠️Do not drive vehicle if brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels to the floor. This indicates air in the system or other brake problems requiring immediate attention.
   Torque spec

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

   Install wheels and lower vehicle
   Reinstall all four wheels onto hubs. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in star pattern with lug wrench but do not fully tighten yet. Carefully lift vehicle slightly with floor jack and remove jack stands one at a time. Lower vehicle completely to ground. Torque all lug nuts to specification in star pattern.
   Torque spec

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

   Final reservoir fill and cap installation
   Open hood and verify brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line. Top off with fresh DOT 4 fluid if needed. Wipe any spilled fluid from reservoir exterior and surrounding areas immediately with water. Install reservoir cap securely. Inspect entire area for any fluid leaks or spills.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all four bleeder screws are torqued to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) and not leaking
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir is at MAX line and cap is installed securely
3. Verify all wheels are installed and lug nuts torqued to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern
4. Dispose of old brake fluid according to local hazardous waste regulations

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal several times - pedal should feel firm and consistent with good resistance
• With engine running, apply firm brake pressure and hold for 30 seconds - pedal should not sink or feel spongy
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area (5-10 mph) to verify brakes engage smoothly and vehicle stops straight
• Check brake fluid level in reservoir - should be at MAX line with no visible air bubbles
• Inspect ground under vehicle and all four wheels for any signs of brake fluid leaks
• Check that brake warning light is not illuminated on instrument cluster
• Perform full brake test at normal speeds in safe location before returning to regular driving
• Re-check fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary

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