Complete brake system bleed procedure for all four corners to remove air from brake lines and restore proper brake pedal feel and braking performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind front wheels before lifting
3. Loosen all wheel lug nuts before raising vehicle
4. Raise vehicle and secure on four jack stands at proper lifting points
5. Remove all four wheels
6. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood on driver side firewall
7. Clean area around reservoir cap before opening to prevent contamination
8. Check current brake fluid level and condition (should be clear amber, not dark brown)
9. Have assistant available or obtain brake pedal depressor tool
10. Prepare clean brake fluid catch bottles for each corner
11. Cut four lengths of clear plastic tubing approximately 12 inches each

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare brake fluid reservoir
   Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap. Using a turkey baster or fluid extraction pump, remove old brake fluid from the reservoir until level is approximately half full. Do not allow reservoir to overflow during bleeding process. Fill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Keep bottle of fresh fluid accessible throughout procedure.
2. 2

   Begin bleeding right rear caliper
   Locate the bleeder screw on the right rear brake caliper (driver side rear). Remove the rubber dust cap from bleeder screw. Clean bleeder screw and surrounding area thoroughly. Attach clear plastic tubing over the bleeder screw nipple and place other end in catch bottle with small amount of clean brake fluid to prevent air from being drawn back.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear brake
   Have assistant pump brake pedal 5-7 times and hold firm pressure on pedal. With pedal held down, open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn using 10mm wrench. Observe fluid and air bubbles flowing through tubing. When pedal reaches floor and fluid stops flowing, close bleeder screw before assistant releases pedal. Repeat this process until no air bubbles appear in tubing and only clear fluid flows. Check reservoir level frequently and top off as needed. Never let reservoir drop below MIN line.
   ⚠️Do not release brake pedal while bleeder screw is open or air will be drawn back into system.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left rear brake
   Move to left rear caliper (passenger side rear). Repeat the same bleeding process: attach tubing, have assistant pump and hold pedal, open bleeder screw, observe fluid flow until no bubbles appear, close bleeder screw. Top off reservoir as needed. Ensure bleeder screw is torqued properly when finished.
   ⚠Monitor reservoir level continuously. Running dry will require ABS system bleeding.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front brake
   Move to right front caliper (driver side front). The bleeder screw is typically located on the back side of the caliper. Clean area and attach clear tubing. Repeat bleeding process: pump pedal, hold pressure, open bleeder, observe fluid, close bleeder. Continue until no air bubbles appear. Check and refill reservoir.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front brake
   Move to left front caliper (passenger side front). This is the final wheel to bleed as it is closest to the master cylinder. Attach tubing and repeat bleeding process until no air bubbles appear and fluid runs clear. Ensure bleeder screw is properly torqued when complete.
   Torque spec

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

   Final fluid level adjustment
   With all bleeder screws closed and dust caps reinstalled, fill brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Wipe away any spilled fluid from reservoir area and painted surfaces. Securely install reservoir cap.
8. 8

   Test brake pedal feel
   Before installing wheels, have assistant pump brake pedal several times. Pedal should feel firm with normal travel. If pedal is spongy or sinks to floor, air remains in system and bleeding must be repeated. Check all bleeder screws for tightness and ensure no leaks are present.
   ⚠️Do not operate vehicle if brake pedal feels soft or spongy. This indicates air in system or other brake system failure.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Install all four wheels onto hubs. Thread lug nuts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in star pattern with hand tools while vehicle is on jack stands.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and torque wheels
    Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands to ground. Remove jack stands. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque all lug nuts to specification using star pattern. Recheck each lug nut to ensure proper torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Dispose of old brake fluid properly at recycling center or hazardous waste facility
2. Do not pour brake fluid down drains or onto ground
3. Store unused brake fluid in sealed container away from moisture
4. Clean any brake fluid spills on painted surfaces immediately with water

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal several times - pedal should be firm with consistent height
• With engine running, apply firm brake pressure and hold for 30 seconds - pedal should not sink
• Check brake fluid reservoir level - should be at MAX line
• Inspect all four bleeder screws for signs of leakage
• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed - brakes should engage smoothly without pulsation
• Perform several moderate stops from 25 mph to verify proper brake function
• If brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or has excessive travel, DO NOT DRIVE - repeat bleeding procedure or seek professional service
• Check brake fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50 miles of driving

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