How to Change Brake Fluid?
3 Answers
Here is the method for changing brake fluid: 1. First, ensure the vehicle is turned off, then open the brake fluid reservoir cap. Use a syringe to extract all the old brake fluid, after which you can pour in the new brake fluid. 2. Next, lift the car using a car lift. Alternatively, you can use a jack, although this method is less convenient. 3. Locate the brake caliper’s bleed screw and remove the dust cap from the bleed nipple. 4. Use a wrench to loosen the bleed screw, attach a rubber tube to the bleed port, and connect the other end to a drain bottle. 5. Now, start pumping the brake pedal while observing the color of the brake fluid in the rubber tube (preferably done by another person). If the color remains dark, it means the old brake fluid hasn’t been fully drained. If the color becomes lighter, the brake fluid change for that wheel is complete. Stop pumping the brake pedal and reinstall the screw and dust cap (repeat this process for the other three wheels). 6. Finally, check the brake fluid level. If it is below the minimum mark, top up the brake fluid (the level should be between MIN and MAX).
Changing brake fluid might sound complicated, but it's actually something you can do yourself. As an experienced DIY mechanic, I'll walk you through it. First, get new brake fluid that matches the factory specifications - common types like DOT4 work fine. Locate the brake fluid reservoir, unscrew the cap, and use a syringe or turkey baster to remove the old fluid. Having an assistant pump the brakes helps with bleeding. Fully draining the old fluid is crucial - make sure all wheel calipers get fresh fluid circulation to prevent air entering the system. Take your time during the process, keeping the reservoir opening and connections clean. Finally, check fluid levels and brake performance with a short test drive. Regular changes (every 2 years or 30,000 miles) significantly improve braking responsiveness and save on repair costs. DIY-ing also teaches valuable automotive knowledge - totally worth it!
I recently learned how to change brake fluid, and I used to think it was quite difficult, but now I find the steps aren't complicated. Start with safety: make sure the car is parked on level ground, the engine is off, and gloves and goggles are ready. Open the hood, locate the brake fluid reservoir, remove the old fluid, and add new fluid. Use a small tool to bleed the remaining old fluid at the caliper on the wheel hub while pressing the brake pedal to prevent air from entering and causing failure. The whole process requires patience, taking turns on each wheel. It's recommended to change the brake fluid every two years or after reaching a certain mileage, adjusting based on driving habits. If beginners are worried about making mistakes, they can watch online videos for tips or ask a friend for help. After changing the fluid, the brakes become more responsive, reducing noise issues and providing greater peace of mind.
