Brake Fluid Flush

Complete brake fluid flush procedure for the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, replacing old brake fluid with fresh DOT 4 Racing fluid to maintain optimal braking performance and prevent moisture contamination.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid × 2 — Use OEM specification or Pentosin Super DOT 4

Fluids

• DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind wheels that will remain on ground
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts on all four wheels while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
4. Safely raise entire vehicle and support on four jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove all four wheels and set aside
6. Inspect brake system for leaks, damaged lines, or worn components - address any issues before flushing
7. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood and clean area around cap to prevent contamination
8. Check current brake fluid level and condition (dark or contaminated fluid confirms need for flush)

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare master cylinder reservoir
   Remove the master cylinder reservoir cap carefully. Using a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, extract as much old brake fluid as possible from the reservoir without allowing debris to enter. Wipe the inside of the reservoir with a clean, lint-free cloth if accessible. Dispose of old fluid properly - do not pour down drains.
2. 2

   Fill reservoir with fresh fluid
   Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid. Keep the reservoir topped off throughout the entire bleeding process - check level after each wheel. Have at least one full bottle of fresh fluid ready before starting.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Starting with the right rear wheel (furthest from master cylinder), locate the bleeder screw on the brake caliper. Clean the bleeder screw thoroughly. Attach clear tubing to the bleeder screw and route into catch container. Have an assistant press the brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn - fluid and air will flow out. Close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Check reservoir level frequently and refill as needed.
   ⚠Do not overtighten bleeder screw when closing - it is brass and strips easily. Close snugly only.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move to the left rear wheel (second furthest from master cylinder). Repeat the same bleeding process: clean bleeder screw, attach tubing, have assistant pump and hold brake pedal, open bleeder screw, close before pedal reaches floor. Continue until fluid is clear and bubble-free. Top off reservoir to MAX line.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to the right front wheel (third in sequence). The front calipers may have multiple bleeder screws - if so, bleed the inboard bleeder first, then the outboard. Use the same procedure: clean bleeder, attach tubing, pump and hold pedal, open bleeder, close before pedal bottoms out. Repeat until fluid is fresh and clear. Check and refill reservoir.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front caliper
   Complete bleeding at the left front wheel (closest to master cylinder, last in sequence). This is the final corner. Use same procedure, ensuring fluid runs completely clear with no air bubbles. If this vehicle has multiple bleeder screws per front caliper, bleed inboard first, then outboard. Top off reservoir to MAX line after completing this corner.
   Torque spec

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

   Perform pedal feel test
   With engine off, pump brake pedal several times. Pedal should become firm and hold steady pressure. If pedal feels spongy or sinks slowly, air remains in system - repeat bleeding process starting from right rear. If pedal feels normal, start engine and test pedal feel with engine running (power brake assist active). Pedal should drop slightly but remain firm.
   ⚠Do not attempt to drive vehicle if brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks to floor. Repeat bleeding process or seek professional service.
8. 8

   Final reservoir fill and cap installation
   Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid. Clean any spilled fluid from reservoir area and surrounding components. Install the reservoir cap and tighten to specification. Wipe entire area clean.
   Torque spec

   Master Cylinder Cap4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Inspect for leaks
   Carefully inspect all four bleeder screws for signs of leakage. Check brake lines, connections, and calipers for any fluid seepage. Have assistant press brake pedal firmly and hold while you inspect - this pressurizes system and reveals leaks. Address any leaks immediately before reinstalling wheels.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Clean wheel mounting surfaces on hubs. Reinstall all four wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in star pattern to approximately 50% torque while vehicle is still on jack stands. Lower vehicle carefully to ground, remove jack stands, then torque all lug nuts to final specification in star pattern.
    ⚠Always torque lug nuts in star pattern to ensure even wheel seating and prevent warping.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bleeder screws are tightened to specification and not leaking
2. Master cylinder reservoir must be at MAX line with cap properly installed
3. All wheels must be torqued to specification in star pattern
4. Dispose of old brake fluid according to local hazardous waste regulations - never pour into drains or soil

Verification

• Start engine and verify brake warning light is not illuminated on instrument cluster
• With engine running, pump brake pedal several times - pedal should be firm and not sink
• Perform low-speed test drive in safe area (parking lot): brake pedal should be firm with normal stopping power
• Test ABS function if possible in safe environment - system should function normally
• Perform final visual inspection of all four wheels for any signs of brake fluid leakage
• Check master cylinder reservoir level after test drive - should still be at MAX line
• Verify no brake fluid has contacted painted surfaces or wheels
• Before returning to normal driving, perform several moderate stops from 30-40 mph in safe area to verify proper brake function and pedal feel

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