This procedure replaces all brake fluid in the hydraulic system by bleeding each wheel in sequence, removing old contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid.

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 surface, set parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir on driver side firewall near master cylinder
3. Check brake fluid level - if significantly low, inspect entire brake system for leaks before proceeding
4. Raise vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
5. Remove all four wheels using 21mm socket

Procedure

1. 1

   Extract old fluid from reservoir
   Use turkey baster or fluid extractor to remove as much old brake fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir. Do not allow any contaminants to enter reservoir. Dispose of old fluid properly - do not pour down drains.
2. 2

   Fill reservoir with fresh fluid
   Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Keep bottle of fresh fluid nearby and monitor reservoir level continuously throughout bleeding process. Never let level drop below MIN line.
3. 3

   Prepare right rear wheel for bleeding
   Locate brake caliper bleeder screw on right rear wheel (passenger side rear). Clean area around bleeder screw thoroughly to prevent dirt entering system. Attach clear plastic tubing over bleeder nipple and place other end in catch container with small amount of clean brake fluid to prevent air being drawn back.
4. 4

   Bleed right rear brake
   Have assistant pump brake pedal 5-6 times and hold firm pressure. Using 10mm wrench, open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn while assistant maintains pedal pressure. Fluid and air will flow into tubing. When flow stops and pedal reaches floor, close bleeder screw before assistant releases pedal. Repeat process until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Check and refill reservoir after every 3-4 pumps.
   ⚠️Bleeder screw must be closed BEFORE assistant releases brake pedal or air will be drawn into system.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left rear brake
   Move to left rear wheel (driver side rear) and repeat bleeding process. Clean bleeder screw area, attach tubing, and perform pump-open-close-release sequence until fluid runs clear with no bubbles. Continuously monitor reservoir level and refill as needed.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front brake
   Move to right front wheel (passenger side front) and repeat bleeding process. This wheel typically requires more pumping cycles to clear old fluid. Continue until fluid is consistently clear with no air bubbles visible in tubing. Keep reservoir topped up.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front brake
   Move to left front wheel (driver side front) and complete final bleeding sequence. This is the last wheel in the bleeding sequence. Bleed until fluid runs completely clear with no air bubbles. Ensure bleeder screw is torqued properly when complete.
   ⚠Do not overtighten bleeder screw. Torque to specification only - overtightening will strip threads.
   Torque spec

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

   Verify fluid level and cap reservoir
   Remove tubing from final bleeder screw. Fill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Install master cylinder cap and hand tighten securely. Do not overtighten plastic cap.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall wheels
   Reinstall all four wheels. Thread lug nuts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in star pattern to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and perform pedal test
    Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground. With engine off, pump brake pedal several times. Pedal should feel firm and maintain pressure. If pedal feels soft or sinks to floor, 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 system problems.

Reassembly

1. Verify all bleeder screws are properly tightened to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) - do not overtighten
2. Confirm brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line and cap is secured
3. Verify all four wheels are installed with lug nuts torqued to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern
4. Dispose of old brake fluid according to local environmental regulations - never pour down drains

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal firmly 5-6 times - pedal should build firm resistance and not sink to floor
• Start engine and verify brake warning light on dash is not illuminated
• Perform low-speed test drive in safe area - brake pedal should feel firm with normal stopping power
• Test brakes at progressively higher speeds in safe area - vehicle should stop straight with no pulling
• Check for any fluid leaks around all four bleeder screws and brake lines
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive - top off to MAX line if needed
• If pedal feels soft, spongy, or vehicle pulls during braking, do not drive and seek professional service immediately

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